Research Assistant in Microbiology DTU Food

Infectious diseases caused by bacterial viral and parasitic pathogens including those that are antimicrobial resistant constitute one of the biggest threats to human and planetary health. The Genomic Epidemiology group at the National Food Institute at DTU is together with partners at University of Copenhagen Statens Serum Institut and globally developing GPAP - a novel online free for use platform for analysis and sharing of genomic data for all pathogens infecting animals humans and plants. To do this we shall offer a broad range of online bioinformatic pipelines for analysing bacterial parasitic fungal and viral genomes and metagenomes.

We are seeking a candidate for a vacant position as Research Assistant in bioinformatics to maintain and develop novel bioinformatic tools and pipelines and provide ad hoc assistance with genomic analyses to the different researchers in the group. Projects will focus on developing robust stable code ranging from classical bioinformatics methods such as sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses to modern machine-learning approaches including biological language models.

The research assistant will be affiliated with the Genomic Epidemiology Research Group which combines expertise in conventional and molecular microbiology with epidemiology and bioinformatics.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We place emphasis on a high level of professionalism among our staff so skills development is an integral part of our organization.

Your main responsibility will be to develop and maintain existing tools and services and provide ad hoc assistance in bioinformatic investigations.

Skills:

• Experience in coding in python
• Experience with Unix-based systems
• Extensive knowledge in microbial genomics
• Experience in machine and deep learning
• Extensive knowledge of existing bioinformatic algorithms and tools
• Experience in microbial genomic and metagenomic analyses.

We offer great flexibility in the position.

As a formal qualification you must have a masters degree in engineering or equivalent within relevant field.

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 3 years.

Starting date is 1 August 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained fromHead of research group Professor Frank Aarestrup.

More information about the research group atGenomic Epidemiology

More information about the Institute atDTU National Food Institute

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

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 3 July 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 institutes 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 Europes 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 Europes 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 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 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.