PhD scholarship in microbial bioinformatics and machine learning

Next-generation sequencing is increasingly being used in clinical microbiology, for surveillance and in characterization of bacterial strains used in food production and biotechnology. A major issue is however, to reliably identify bacterial strains with increased pathogenicity and to differentiate them from benign or even beneficial strains.

The Genomic Epidemiology Research Group, has as the primary task to conduct targeted research with the aim of predicting and preventing infectious diseases in humans and animals, and supporting global detection, surveillance and control. The research group combines expertise in conventional and molecular microbiology with epidemiology and bioinformatics and act as EU and WHO reference center for Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The Genomic Epidemiology Research Group is together with several partners worldwide, including low and middle-income countries working on improving the access to online and simple bioinformatics analyses of clinical and industrial relevance.

To continue this work the research group seeks a candidate for a vacant PhD position in bioinformatics and machine learning.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your main responsibility will be to develop, evaluate and deploy bioinformatics/machine learning solutions capable of identifying genes, gene variants and bacterial strains associated with pathogenic potential and distinguish them from bacterial strains with limited or no harmful properties.

In addition, the eventual tools should be deployed as a webserver and experience herein will be an advantage.

You will communicate research results by presenting data at project meetings and international conferences, and write reports and manuscripts for publication.

The day-to-day work will be performed in close collaboration with other researchers in the Genomic Epidemiology group and with national and international partners. Collaboration includes active participation in national and international meetings and conferences, sharing of data and results, contribution to joint publications.

You must have 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.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see the DTU PhD Guide .

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 appointment terms
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. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Expected starting date is 1 February 2022 (or according to mutual agreement).

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Frank Møller Aarestrup, [email protected], +45 51157481.

You can read more about the research group at https://www.food.dtu.dk/english/Research/Genomic-Epidemiology .

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 16 December 2021 (Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here )

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The National Food Institute researches and communicates sustainable and value-adding solutions in the areas of food and health for the benefit of society and industry.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.