Academic Specialist for our EU Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance - DTU Food

DTU National Food Institute is seeking an Academic Specialist to support and further strengthen the activities of the EU Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance (EURL-AMR).

The position is embedded in an international reference laboratory environment and contributes to EU-mandated activities in antimicrobial resistance, supporting harmonised, high-quality AMR testing, surveillance, and capacity building across the European reference laboratory network.

The role of our new colleague will encompass combining knowledge on advanced laboratory expertise with coordination, quality assurance, and providing continuity within long-running EU reference laboratory activities.

The job
As Academic Specialist in the EURL-AMR, you will play a central role in the planning, coordination, execution, and quality assurance of EU reference laboratory activities. You will work closely with laboratory technicians, scientists, management, and international partners, and act as a key interface between laboratory operations, quality systems, and EU stakeholders.

Your main tasks will include:

• Planning and execution of EURL-AMR activities under mandates from the European Commission, ensuring continuity and scientific consistency across recurring workflows
• Coordination of proficiency tests (PT) schemes, covering design, PT material production, result evaluation, interpretation, and reporting
• Hands-on and supervisory functions for phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (broth microdilution), including interpretation of complex AMR phenotypes
• Scientific oversight of genotypic AMR and WGS-based analyses, including integration of phenotypic and genotypic results
• Development, implementation, and maintenance of quality-assured laboratory procedures and documentation, including SOPs and templates, in line with ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17043, and active involvement in accreditation and audit-related activities
• Coordination of laboratory work planning, including task prioritization, timelines, and efficient use of laboratory resources in collaboration with technicians and management
• Preparation of technical reports, scientific documentation, deliverables, and contribution to EU-funded projects and international collaborations
• Capacity-building activities, including development and delivery of teaching material, laboratory-based instruction, and support to NRLs, project partners, students, and laboratory staff

Our expectations of you
We expect that you:

• Hold a master/PhD degree or equivalent in microbiology, molecular biology, or a closely related field
• Have documented experience with antimicrobial resistance and reference laboratory–level AMR work
• Have strong hands-on experience with phenotypic AST methods, including broth microdilution 
• Have experience with whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses applied to AMR
• Are experienced in working within quality-assured and accredited laboratory environments
• Can manage complex tasks independently and take responsibility for coordination, planning, and follow-through
• Communicate clearly and professionally in spoken and written English
• Thrive in an international, collaborative, and multidisciplinary environment

What we offer in return
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international atmosphere with the focus on research, teaching, innovation and scientific advice for the benefit of the surrounding community. We place emphasis on a high level of professionalism among our staff, so skills development is an integral part of our organization. We offer great flexibility in the position. In the area of technical and natural sciences, DTU is one of the leading research and education institutions in Europe.

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 3-year full-time position. Starting date is 1 May 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus.

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 25 March 2026. Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates. 

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Professor and Head of Research Group, Rene Hendriksen on +45 2245 0763. 

More information about the EURL-AMR can be found at our website: https://www.food.dtu.dk/english/topics/antimicrobial-resistance/eurl-ar. More information About the DTU National Food institute can be found here at www.food.dtu.dk/english/ 

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.

Research Group for Global Capacity Building has extensive experience in microbiological and international reference laboratory operations, including external quality assessment. The group focuses on strengthening global surveillance of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance and on laboratory capacity building, with particular emphasis on whole-genome sequencing.

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.