Job Description

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 organization of workshops, surveys and field work primarily in Chad, Mauritania, and South Sudan.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Based at DTU Lyngby Campus, you will work with DTU colleagues, DTU Skylab and international partners. The role includes international travel of approximately 10–20% of the working time.

• Supporting structured product-development research, practical field trials and documentation.
• Planning and facilitating workshops, surveys, training activities and stakeholder meetings.
• Supporting the practical planning and delivery of field missions and project activities.
• Preparing project materials, follow-up notes, presentations and technical reporting.

As a formal qualification, you must have a master’s degree in engineering or equivalent within food science, food technology, food engineering, culinary arts, fisheries, aquatic sciences or a related field.

In addition, the ideal candidate:

• Has practical experience with product development, food processing, gastronomy or applied food experimental work.
• Has experience with workshops, training, surveys or other participatory activities.
• Can plan and coordinate practical tasks, stakeholders and deadlines.
• Has international professional experience in sustainable development, humanitarian or educational projects
• Communicates clearly in both written and spoken English and either Arabic or French; both are an advantage.
• Works independently and collaboratively across disciplinary and cultural contexts
• Is willing to travel internationally as required to country locations.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years. The position is a full-time position. Starting date is 1 February 2027 or according to mutual agreement.

The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Professor, Charlotte Jacobsen at chja@food.dtu.dk, Tel +45 2327 9075 or Trevor Eakes at Tel + 45 7143 2159.

More information about DTU National Food Institute is available at www.food.dtu.dk/english and DTU Skylab at www.skylab.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 11 November 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc)

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU National Food Institute

DTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute works to prevent disease and promote health, develop new and better food products for a growing population and create sustainable technological solutions, including biosolutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration within e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling, and technology. This is achieved through a strong academic environment of international top class with correspondingly skilled researchers and employees. The Institute employs approximately 390 staff members.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.