About the opportunity
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for a 3-year PhD scholarship in fungal genomics and predictive modelling. The project is part of the GPAP initiative and involves developing online webservices for genomic characterization of pathogens, specifically focusing on plant-infecting and mycotoxin-producing fungi. The successful candidate will work collaboratively between the DTU National Food Institute and DTU Bioengineering, performing whole genome sequencing, culturing, phenotypic characterization, and building phenotype-to-genotype association studies using Fusarium isolates. Daily responsibilities include designing web-based tools for species identification, analyzing output data, communicating results at international conferences, and publishing findings.
Salary and benefits
- Salary and appointment terms based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- 3-year full-time employment contract
- Participation in an international, collaborative research environment at a leading technical university
- Access to monthly free seminars regarding PhD relocation to Denmark and startup guidance
Who can apply?
- Hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree
- Experience in coding in Python, Unix-based systems, machine learning, and deep learning
- Strong background or knowledge in microbial genomics, phylogenetic analysis, and existing bioinformatic algorithms and tools
- Experience with DNA-based workload from microbes, general microbiology, and fungal culturing is highly advantageous
Required documents
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma in English, including official description of grading scale
When to apply
- Application deadline is 10 November 2026 at 23:59 Danish time
- Starting date is 1 February 2027 or according to mutual agreement
How to apply
- Prepare all required application documents in English combined into a single PDF file
- Open the online application link on the official recruitment page
- Fill out the online application form and submit the single PDF file no later than the stated deadline
Additional information
- Applicants may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree but cannot begin before having received it
- Open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates due to research involving critical technology subject to security and export control rules
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong fit for master's graduates in bioinformatics, microbiology, or molecular biology with concrete coding experience in Python and Unix systems.
- Ideal for researchers interested in bridging computational genomics, machine learning, and applied food safety microbiology.
- Well-suited for candidates seeking a fully funded 3-year structured doctoral path within an internationally recognized technical institution.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Denmark is required for this on-site position at DTU National Food Institute.
- Applicants must be prepared for a rigorous research scope that integrates wet-lab fungal culturing with heavy computational and bioinformatic development.
- Candidates must successfully meet DTU's general academic PhD enrolment and approval requirements.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This 3-year doctoral position offers an exceptional platform to build specialized expertise at the intersection of genomics, machine learning, and web-tool development. It provides strong support for publishing scientific literature, presenting at international conferences, and advancing an academic or high-tech industry career.
Our take
This fully funded PhD opportunity is ideal for ambitious life science graduates with computational skills who want to tackle global food safety challenges. Candidates without a relevant master's degree or programming background should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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