Is your ambition to be part of an international research group? Are you interested in conducting research in the field of public health and dietary patterns? Then, we want to hear from you. This project focuses on sustainable diets for evidence-based public health advice.
Diet is a focal point for climate change since food systems are major contributors to greenhouse-gas emissions. Quantitative risk-benefit assessments (RBAs) of transitions to more sustainable diets are therefore highly valuable in aiding authorities, such as the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, to make decisions regarding interventions on sustainable diets. This PhD project bridges evidence synthesis and RBA of sustainable diets for public-health advice.
RBAs rely on data provided by systematic reviews reporting on associations between exposures and health outcomes. However, the supporting systematic reviews can become outdated quickly, particularly when review conclusions are highly sensitive to just one or a few studies. The living systematic review is an emerging approach for improved evidence synthesis that uses frequent updating to include new evidence as soon as it becomes available. Using data from living systematic reviews in RBAs could lead to more valid assessments and living support systems to public health decisions.
By joining the Risk-Benefit Research Group at DTU National Food Institute, you will work with methodologies such as AI-assisted evidence synthesis and quantitative health impact assessment and become part of an interdisciplinary research environment with strong links to DTU Compute and the upcoming WHO Collaborating Centre at the National Food Institute.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your responsibilities include:
We expect you have:
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 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.
Start date is 1 January 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is full-time.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
Questions can be directed to Marianne Uhre Jakobsen (muja@food.dtu.dk
; +45 35 88 75 95) or Lea Sletting Jakobsen (leala@food.dtu.dk
; +45 35 88 71 30).
You can read more about DTU National Food Institute at www.food.dtu.dk.
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 21 September 2025 (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:
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.
The Risk-Benefit Research Group at the DTU National Food Institute is dedicated to advancing public health by evaluating both the risks and benefits associated with foods and dietary patterns. Using interdisciplinary approaches from epidemiology, toxicology, and nutrition, we assess long-term health outcomes linked to food consumption. Our research spans microbial and chemical hazards, nutritional adequacy, and long-term health impacts. Through comprehensive RBAs, we aim to support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to the development of safe, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable diets.
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 350 staff members.
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 mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 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.