We are seeking a Senior Scientific Officer (microbiologist) with expertise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) epidemiology and genomics to support the activities of the EU Reference Laboratories for AMR, contribute to laboratory strengthening efforts, and expand AMR research portfolio.

At the DTU National Food Institute, the Research Group for Global Capacity Building provides scientific services and technical expertise in the field of AMR in their role as EU Reference Laboratories, and as WHO Collaborating Centre, and FAO Reference Laboratory. This includes developing global capacity in phenotypic and genomic AMR surveillance, delivering training, and coordinating inter-laboratory testing and proficiency assessments. Research in the field of innovative AMR surveillance methods and laboratory strengthening within and outside the EU are also main tasks in the group.

The job
The position will support functions within the EU reference laboratory functions, such as the coordination of external quality assessments, coordination of research projects, the development and delivery of training programmes, and the provision of scientific advice.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and reporting of a multidisciplinary project investigating carbapenemase resistance in the food chain.
• Oversee the implementation of external quality assessments (EQAs) and proficiency testing schemes on antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).
• Provision of technical guidance and training on AST methods and whole genome sequencing (WGS) for organisms e.g. Escherichia coli , Campylobacter spp., and Staphylococcus aureus , including AMR genotyping and phylogenetic analysis.
• Development and dissemination of laboratory guidelines and reference materials for the EURL network.
• Contribution to technical missions and consultations with national and international laboratories and institutions (e.g. EFSA, WHO, FAO).
• Organisation of workshops and simulation exercises to support outbreak preparedness, detection, and response.
• Expansion of the group’s research activities in the field of innovative AMR surveillance methods.
• Teaching and supervision of students, including the development of e-learning modules and contributions to DTU courses.
• Support to EU and national authorities in AMR monitoring and provision of scientific input to policy guidance.
• Engagement with international AMR initiatives to align the EURL’s work with global strategies and activities led by organisations such as WHO, ECDC, EFSA, FAO, WOAH, and the European Commission.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a PhD in veterinary or medical microbiology, epidemiology, or a closely related field. Additional field training in Public Health is an advantage.
• Have extensive experience with One Health approaches to AMR surveillance, including zoonotic and foodborne pathogens.
• Be proficient in laboratory-based AST methods and have hands-on experience with WGS workflows and analysis of AMR determinants.
• Have training and experience in field epidemiology methods applied to outbreak detection, investigation, and infectious disease surveillance, including strong data analysis and statistical skills, and experience using R.
• Have experience in planning and delivering specialised training, capacity-building activities, university teaching, and supervision of students.
• Have experience in project management, ideally including European projects, experience in grant agreements, IT tools, and effective communication skills to support multi-sectoral collaboration.
• Have a strong research profile, including operational research, relevant publications, funding applications, scientific writing, and reporting.                           

The desirable candidate have:

• Familiarity with the AMR-related work and strategic priorities of key international actors, such as WHO, ECDC, EFSA, FAO, and the European Commission.
• Familiarity with AMR surveillance in LMIC contexts, including an understanding of the current status and main challenges.
• Experience in attracting funding, with a good understanding of available opportunities and relevant stakeholders in the AMR context, and an interest in expanding the team's research portfolio.
• Familiarity with quality assurance systems and reference laboratory operations.
• Training in university pedagogy or adult education.

We offer a stimulating and rewarding role in a dynamic international environment, with a strong focus on research, education, innovation, and scientific support aimed at benefiting society. Professionalism is a core value in our team, and we prioritise continuous skill development as part of our organisational culture. The position also offers considerable flexibility. Within the technical and natural sciences, DTU ranks among Europe’s top institutions for research and education.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

The position is a full-time position. Starting date is 1 October 2025 (or according to mutual agreement).

The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus. 

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 20 August 2025.  Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates. 

The file must be submitted as one PDF file . 

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Professor Rene Hendriksen on (+45) 22 45 07 63 / rshe@food.dtu.dk . 

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 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.