Job Description

Are you an experienced researcher in microbial genomics and bioinformatics with a strong record of university teaching, and expertise in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis, machine learning and computational data processing applied to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)? Do you want to train the next generation of scientists in computational microbiology, while advancing applied research in computational genomics of microbial pathogens, with a primary focus on bacterial AMR and One Health surveillance? If so, we invite you to join the Research Group for Global Capacity Building at the National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), as Senior Researcher. The position combines primarily a teaching and training mandate with applied research in computational genomics of microbial pathogens. An additional component of the position will also support scientific advisory and reference-laboratory functions linked to EURL-AMR, the WHO Collaborating Centre and the FAO Reference Laboratory.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your principal focus will be on applied research advancing bioinformatic analysis, machine learning and computational genomics of microbial pathogens, primarily on bacterial AMR and One Health surveillance. Another key focus will be teaching at BSc, MSc and PhD level in microbial genomics, bioinformatics and machine learning, complemented by national and international training courses across Europe, Africa and Asia. Where relevant, you will also contribute to selected scientific advisory and reference-laboratory activities supporting national and international collaborators and stakeholders, including the European Commission, EFSA, ECDC, IAEA, FAO, WHO and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Conduct applied research advancing bioinformatic analysis, machine learning and computational genomics of microbial pathogens, with a primary focus on bacterial AMR and One Health surveillance
• Develop, validate, document and disseminate reproducible bioinformatic pipelines and machine-learning approaches for genotype-based AMR detection and prediction, plasmid characterization, molecular typing, genomic epidemiology and One Health surveillance
• Independently lead and coordinate teaching, research and bioinformatics activities within the group, with responsibility for mentoring colleagues and managing the task allocation of a small sub-group of bioinformaticians, while developing reproducible workflows and ensuring the quality and timely delivery of genomic analyses
• Develop and deliver lectures, practical classes and supervised projects at BSc, MSc and PhD level in microbial genomics, bioinformatics, machine learning and applied omics, including the development of pedagogical materials and reproducible computational workflows
• Supervise PhD, MSc and BSc students working at the interface between microbiology and bioinformatics, fostering interdisciplinary thinking and strong computational skills
• Co-organize and deliver national and international training courses in WGS-based microbial genomics, bioinformatic analysis of microbial genomes, machine learning and genomic surveillance workflows for AMR, in collaboration with global partners and stakeholders through on-site missions and online courses across Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America
• Contribute, where relevant, to scientific advisory and reference-laboratory activities linked to EURL-AMR, the WHO Collaborating Centre and the FAO Reference Laboratory, including selected inter-laboratory comparative testing schemes and participation in next-generation sequencing working groups

We expect that you hold:

• A PhD in Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related biological discipline, combined with formal academic training (e.g. an MSc or postgraduate diploma) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or Biostatistics. Both qualifications are mandatory, as the role requires microbiological depth to design research questions, interpret findings and teach core concepts, together with the computational expertise needed to develop pipelines, apply machine-learning methods and analyze high-throughput sequencing data
• Substantial postdoctoral experience and an established publication record in AMR, microbial genomics, bioinformatics or a closely related field, documented by a sustained record of peer-reviewed publications, reflecting scientific maturity and impact at senior-researcher level
• Hands-on expertise in WGS (including Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing), bioinformatic analysis of microbial genomes, pipeline development and machine-learning approaches applied to genomic and high-throughput data
• A demonstrated and extensive university teaching record across BSc, MSc and PhD level, including course design, supervision of student projects and theses, and development of pedagogical materials and reproducible computational workflows
• A proven record of delivering national and international training and capacity-building activities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries

It will be considered an advantage if you also have:

• Experience contributing to scientific advisory or reference-laboratory activities related to AMR surveillance, including genomic proficiency testing, inter-laboratory comparative testing, or support to national and international laboratory networks
• Fluency in Portuguese, Spanish or French, reflecting the group’s international capacity-building collaborations across Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America

You must contribute to teaching at the Department. DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.

As a formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) as well as academic qualifications equivalent to those obtained by holding a position as a researcher or postdoc. To be appointed as a senior researcher, you must have completed a didactic/pedagogic education. If you do not have the necessary education, then it is possible to complete this requirement within a period of two years of appointment.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Research experience
• Experience and quality of teaching
• Research vision and potential
• International impact and experience
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

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

Starting date is as soon as possible (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor and Head of Research Group, Rene Hendriksen, at rshe@food.dtu.dk

You can read more about the DTU National Food Institute at www.food.dtu.dk/englishand the Research Group for Global Capacity Building at https://www.food.dtu.dk/english/research/global-capacity-building

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
Please submit your online application no later than 26 June 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)
• Vision for teaching and research
• CV including employment history, list of publications indicating scientific highlights, H-index and ORCID (see http://orcid.org/)
• Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)

You can learn more about the recruitment process here

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 380 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.