Are you interested in human toxicology and how environmental chemicals affect human health? Do you work systematically and independently, and at the same time like to be part of a team? And do you want to strengthen your skills within literature review and evidence synthesis? Then you might be our new research assistant.
You will be part of the Research Group for Risk-Benefit at The National Food Institute at The Technical University of Denmark. The focus of the research group is to develop models within quantitative health assessment to be used in risk-benefit assessment, risk and benefit ranking, and burden of disease studies. We offer an ambitious, dynamic and social research environment with exciting challenges and opportunities.
The position is affiliated with the BurdenX project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. The project aims to develop a method for integrating various sources of evidence and accounting for different levels of certainty in environmental burden of disease assessments.
Responsibilities and qualifications
You will be responsible for conducting (scoping/systematic) literature reviews in the field of evidence synthesis and toxicology.
The work will involve:
- Planning and leading a scoping literature review of existing weight of evidence approaches and selecting the most suitable approach for the project.
- Planning and leading a systematic review of available evidence on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This includes writing a protocol; developing search strings for multiple literature databases; screening of literature; and extraction of relevant data.
- Weighing the collected evidence according to the selected weight of evidence approach.
- Organizing and hosting e-meetings within international project team members.
- Writing peer-reviewed scientific article(s).
We expect that you have a background in biology, toxicology, environmental epidemiology, or equivalent.
The candidate we seek:
- Has practical experience with conducting literature reviews, preferably scoping/systematic reviews
- Has experience with evaluating the evidence from epidemiological, animal, and/or mechanistic studies
- Has knowledge about toxicology and/or environmental epidemiology
- Works structured and independently and takes responsibility for progress and quality of results
- Has good oral and written skills in English
As a formal qualification, you must have a master’s degree in engineering or equivalent.
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 terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 1 year. The start date is 1 December 2025 (or according to mutual agreement).
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from researcher Sofie Theresa Thomsen (sthth@food.dtu.dk).
You can read more about the research group at https://www.food.dtu.dk/english/research/risk-benefit
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 28 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:
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (MSc)
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.