PhD position in Air-sampling

The National Food Institute (DTU Food, www.food.dtu.dk) invites applications for a PhD position in the field of microbiology with focus on the microbial safety. The incumbent candidate will become part of a new EU project (AIR-SAMPLE), in which new lab methods will be developed and validated to combat Campylobacter in poultry production. 



Background

The PhD is an integrated part of a new EU project to develop and validate air sampling as a low-cost and multi-purpose alternative to faecal droppings or boot swabs. The project will provide the European community (authorities, industry) with a low-cost and harmonized tool for interventions and codes of best practices for Campylobacter monitoring and intervention.



Responsibilities and tasks

The research includes molecular microbiology, metagenomics diagnostics, real-time PCR, and

sampling statistics. The PhD stipend will in collaboration with five other European labs will be

responsible for the following:

1. To create an air sample bank from different chicken production farms in Denmark with different levels of Campylobacter.
2. To develop a non-complex, low-cost, robust and multi-purpose sample treatment protocols for use in qPCR or diagnostic metagenomics.
3. To develop a metagenomics, sub-typing protocol using air samples.
4. To validate the air sampling and the extraction methods against current international standards using boot swabs.
5. To function as deputy project leader and organize the project meetings and workshops, and contribute to project reporting.

The incumbent PhD stipend will receive training in sampling, real-time PCR, Campylobacter culturing and metagenomics.

Qualifications

The candidate should have relevant experience and a master’s degree in Food Science/Technology, Biology/Microbiology, Environmental Engineering/Sciences, Biotechnology, Veterinary Medicine or related disciplines. Ideally s/he should have a solid background in microbiology, molecular biology, and lab work. Experience with field work, handling of Class 2 pathogens, PCR, microscopy, protocol trouble-shooting and basic bioinformatics will be considered an asset. The candidate should demonstrate evidence of self-driven and independent research productivity, the ability to collaborate and a strong motivation to succeed. Regular field trips to other parts of Denmark, contact to Danish farmers, and participation in EU projects are expected 4-6 times per year. During these trips, effective communication with local staff is essential. The candidate must therefore possess excellent communication skills in Danish.

Approval and Enrolment 

The scholarship for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

The period of employment is January 2018 to December 2020.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by an assessment committee chaired by Professor Jeffrey Hoorfar (DTU Food). All applications will be reviewed to generate a short list of candidates. Potential candidates will be contacted for interview. 

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 an 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 with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years.



Further information

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Jeffrey Hoorfar 3588 7379, jhoo@food.dtu.dk or Head of Section, Dr. Dorte Lau Baggesen 3588 6207, dlba@food.dtu.dk 

Application

Please submit your online application no later than 6 November 2017.

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

• Cover letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project.
• Curriculum vitae including relevant information about previous employment, research training, experience and competencies, teaching experience, scientific publications, conference presentations, Greenlandic and/or Danish language skills and a list of personal references.
• Grade transcripts for the BSc and MSc degree diplomas (an official translation into English).
• Excel sheets with translation of BSc and MSc grades into the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here).

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having completed the degree. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and scientific advice. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 11,000 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.