PhD scholarship in Diversity and Predictive Modeling of Bacillus Behaviour in Dairy Processing at Elevated Temperatures - DTU Food

Jobbeskrivelse

If you're excited about research, intrigued by microbiology, and seeking a place to pursue your dreams and ambitions, this opportunity could be perfect for you! You will join the Research Group for Food Microbiology and Hygiene at DTU National Food Institute and will contribute to solving a food safety challenge in collaboration with the dairy industry. The overall aim of the research project is to investigate diversity, growth and toxin production of Bacillus cereus  and related Bacillus spp. at elevated temperature processes for the purpose of designing risk management tools for improved food safety in the dairy industry Responsibilities and qualifications As our PhD candidate, you will be working independently with the research project in close collaboration with our research group, partners from the Danish dairy industry and become part of our network of collaborators. To support your success, you will have access to DTU National Food Institute’s excellent laboratory facilities. Your overall focus will be to investigate the diversity and quantitative dynamics of growth and toxin production of Bacillus spp. under environmental conditions relevant to “hot” processes in the dairy industry.

Your primary tasks will be to: Collect existing data regarding the diversity, growth and toxin production of Bacillus spp. in dairy products through a review of the literature.  Investigate the prevalence and diversity of Bacillus spp. at locations in the dairy process with elevated temperatures using cultivation as well as sequencing methods. Determine and model the growth kinetics and toxin formation at temperatures above 40 °C of a representative selection of Bacillus spp. in response to environmental conditions. Dissemination of your research through risk management tools, publications and attendance at conferences, seminars, and professional meetings.

Teaching and supervision activities within microbiology and BSc and MSc student projects. We seek a PhD candidate who has a strong background in experimental microbiology, sporeforming bacteria and an aptitude for quantitative predictive microbiology. It will be an asset to have laboratory experience in e.g., molecular techniques (qPCR and sequencing), and microscopy. You are expected to go to collaborating dairies to collect samples. You are highly motivated, curious, and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

You are not afraid to ask questions and are willing to contribute to teamwork through open communication, exchanges of ideas and discussions to promote a work environment for individual and collective growth.  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 in microbiology, biology, veterinary science, dairy or food science, or a related field. 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 DTU's rules for the PhD education .  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. Starting date is 1 September 2026 (if possible, earlier 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 Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen +45 35886278 (litr@food.dtu.dk ) and Researcher Martin Laage Kragh (malak@food.dtu.dk ).

You can read more about The DTU National Food Institute at www.food.dtu.dk/english. If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.  Application procedure  Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 4 May 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: A letter motivating the application (cover letter) Curriculum vitae  Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 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 390 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.