The place of work is part time at the National Veterinary Institute (Division of Veterinary Diagnostics and Research/Research Group for Virology) and part time at the National Food Institute.

The project is performed in close cooperation with the virus group at the Statens Serum Institute. A residency at a research institute in Europe or abroad is planned as part of the project.

Job description
The aim of this PhD project is to study the epidemiology of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in various animal reservoirs and the environment in Denmark. The PhD-student will develop and validate quantitative PCR tests, protocols for sequencing HEV isolated from different sources and compare these sequences with human isolates of HEV. Furthermore, the student will elaborate and validate protocols for concentration of HEV from waste water, mussels etc. The student will participate in collecting samples from environmental resources, swine herds and the food chain. The project aims at elucidating the epidemiology of HEV in Denmark with special focus on the zoonotic perspectives.

Qualifications
Applicants with the following qualifications are preferred:

• A master's degree in either veterinary medicine, biology or a comparable discipline or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree
• Experience in virology, molecular methods and/or bioinformatics 
• An interest in virology and zoonotic diseases 
• Fluency in English 
• Good social skills, innovative and interested in communicating research results

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval and the candidates will be enrolled in the Life Science PhD programme of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship study, please see the DTU PhD Guide

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information
For further information please contact senior scientist Lars Erik Larsen, phone +45 3588 6274.

Application
We must have your online application by 15 March 2010. Please apply for this job online and fill in the application form and attach:

• A motivation describing why you are interested in this position 
• A CV including publications 
• Copy of certificate with grades

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.