Two PhD scholarships in large scale comparative microbial genomics, phylogeny and antimicrobial resistance

Global emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are among the biggest challenges for human and animal health.

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

The Genomic Epidemiology Research Group is together with several partners worldwide and mainly funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation working on establishing and improving global surveillance of AMR. This is based on large scale analyses and comparison of NGS data from single isolates and metagenomic datasets.

For this the research group seeks candidates for two vacant PhD positions in bioinformatics and data mining focusing of AMR.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Position 1

Your main responsibility will be to perform comparative genomic analyses of the exact genomic location of antimicrobial resistance genes (gene synteny) and determine this across reservoirs and both single isolates and metagenomics datasets.

Position 2

Your main responsibility will be to integrate single isolates and metagenomics assembled isolates into large-scale phylogenies and analyze this in comparison to reservoirs, origin and occurrence of important genes including AMR.

For both positions:

  • You will accomplish this using different bioinformatics tools and machine learning to determine association between AMR-genes in metagenomics datasets.
  • 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 associated with the global sewage project. 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.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Frank Møller Aarestrup, fmaa@food.dtu.dk, +45 51157481.

You can read more about the research group at 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 11 June 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.

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