About the opportunity
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) National Food Institute seeks a research assistant to support an international development project for new aquatic value chains (NAVAC) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and DTU Skylab. The role focuses on product-development activities and the organization of workshops, surveys, and fieldwork primarily in Chad, Mauritania, and South Sudan. Based at DTU Lyngby Campus, the successful candidate will work with colleagues, DTU Skylab, and international partners, involving international travel of approximately 10% to 20% of working time. The appointment is a full-time position for a period of 2 years with a starting date of 1 February 2027 or according to mutual agreement.
Salary and benefits
- Rewarding and challenging job in an international environment at a leading technical university
- Appointment based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations with a salary allowance agreed upon with the relevant union
- Full-time position for a duration of 2 years
Who can apply?
- Master's degree in engineering or equivalent within food science, food technology, food engineering, culinary arts, fisheries, aquatic sciences, or a related field
- Practical experience with product development, food processing, gastronomy, or applied food experimental work
- Experience with workshops, training, surveys, or other participatory activities
- Ability to plan and coordinate practical tasks, stakeholders, and deadlines
- International professional experience in sustainable development, humanitarian, or educational projects
- Proficiency in written and spoken English, with knowledge of either Arabic or French considered an advantage
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplinary and cultural contexts
- Willingness to travel internationally as required to country locations
Required documents
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (MSc)
When to apply
- Application deadline is 11 November 2026 at 23:59 Danish time
- Starting date is 1 February 2027 or according to mutual agreement
How to apply
- Open the online application link on the official portal
- Fill out the online application form
- Combine all required materials into a single PDF file in English
- Submit the complete online application no later than 11 November 2026
Additional information
- As DTU works with research in critical technology subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates
- For informal inquiries, contact Professor Charlotte Jacobsen or Trevor Eakes using the contact details provided in the posting
- Applications received after the deadline will not be considered
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…
- Holders of a master's degree in food science, engineering, or related aquatic and culinary fields who want to apply technical expertise to international development projects
- Professionals with prior experience in sustainable development, humanitarian work, or participatory workshops in international settings
- Candidates comfortable with international travel (10% to 20% of working time) to countries such as Chad, Mauritania, and South Sudan
- Bilingual or multilingual applicants fluent in English alongside Arabic or French
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is a fixed-term contract lasting 2 years, requiring a plan for subsequent career steps after completion
- Regular international travel is a formal requirement, involving missions to African partner countries
- Background checks may be conducted due to institutional security and export control regulations applying to critical technology research
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This 2-year research assistant role provides an opportunity to bridge technical food science research with international development, humanitarian practice, and hands-on fieldwork alongside global partners like the FAO. It suits early-career researchers aiming to build a profile in sustainable food systems, project coordination, and international institutional collaboration.
Our take
Candidates with a relevant master's degree and practical food processing or international development background who are eager to engage in fieldwork should seriously consider applying before the November deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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