Project Manager for International Research Initiative – DTU Bioengineering

Job title:

Project Manager for International Research Initiative – DTU Bioengineering

Company:

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Job description

Job Description:We are seeking a proactive and experienced scientific project manager to join a new international research initiative focused on sustainable agriculture and food production across the globe and hosted at DTU Bioengineering. This initiative aims to drive innovative solutions that promote food security, environmental sustainability, and resilient agricultural systems-ultimately contributing to a healthier planet and a better future for all. In this role, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and managing project activities to ensure timely progress toward key milestones over the next five years. Working closely with the program manager and the leadership, you will help establish efficient workflows, drive day-to-day operations, and facilitate collaboration across a dynamic network of researchers across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Your contributions will be essential to the strategic and operational success of this impactful initiative in the field of applied biosciences.Your Responsibilities
The tasks for the project manager(s) include:

• Project Coordination & Administration:

• Develop, execute and coordinate key enabling administrative activities within the research initiative (science, education, partnerships, funding) to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning.
• Organize and facilitate internal meetings, visits by guest researchers, and stakeholder engagements, including agenda preparation, minutes, and action tracking.
• Plan and execute international workshops on sustainable BioAg solutions.
• Support hiring processes and daily HR-related tasks in collaboration with the DTU Bioengineering administration.
• Liaise with DTU’s central legal and administrative teams to coordinate contracts and compliance matters.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for initiative members on administrative matters.
• Optional: serve as the initiative’s local gender, diversity, and inclusion officer.

• Stakeholder, Partner, and Industry Engagement:

• Facilitate collaboration between contributors at DTU and national/international partners.
• Build and maintain relationships with national and international collaborators, initiative is expected to grow to 20-25 research partners over the next five years.
• Act as the primary DTU contact for grantees in a new research project funding program associated with the initiative.
• Support interactions between researchers, students, and DTU’s administrative environment.
• Engage with DTU Bioengineering and central administration to align project activities with institutional policies and procedures.
• Optionally, participate in short-term visits to international partners to support leadership team activities.

• Education Development & Management:

• Coordinate the development of new courses for university students and international stakeholders, ensuring smooth collaboration between the scientific contributors from DTU and the partner institutions.
• Together with international partners plan and implement a stipend program for international course participants, including developing application processes, selection criteria, and administrative execution.
• Work with DTU’s education administration to ensure course accreditation, alignment with university policies, and integration into existing curricula.

• Financial & Reporting Responsibilities:

• Track project budgets, ensuring accurate financial monitoring and alignment with funding guidelines, in collaboration with DTU’s Economy department.
• Coordination and preparation of annual status reports for funding bodies

• Communication & Outreach:

• Manage communication efforts on website, social media, etc.

Note: This exhaustive list represents the entire portfolio of the secretariate’s tasks, and we will ensure that each individual member will be allocated clearly defined areas of responsibilities.About You
We are seeking a scientific project manager with the following qualifications:

• Experience managing or coordinating large research initiatives, or complex projects, preferably in a university setting.
• A MSc or PhD degree, preferably in a relevant field, such as biology, agriculture, or fermentation-based manufacturing.
• A dependable and proactive team member who ensures continuity and efficiency as the initiative grows.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to engage effectively with a diverse international network of researchers, stakeholders, and administrative teams.
• Thrives in a dynamic environment while maintaining structure and efficiency.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage parallel workstreams and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written.
• Strong cultural intelligence and adaptability, with the ability to navigate diverse international collaborations, foster inclusive working relationships, and communicate effectively across different cultural and professional backgrounds.

It is considered a significant advantage if you have:

• Experience in project management methodologies and budget monitoring.
• Experience managing projects funded by major research foundations (e.g., Novo Nordisk Foundation, Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust), including reporting and compliance.
• Experience working with industry partners on research and education collaborations.
• Experience coordinating education initiatives with multiple partners, including logistics for international training programs.
• Advantages if you are familiarity with DTU’s administrative systems.

What we offer in return
The Project Manager position offers the opportunity to take an active role in setting-up and running a dynamic research environment, contributing to a meaningful initiative that fosters innovation, builds global partnerships, and aims to ensure the sustainable production of food globally. As a project manager, you will play a crucial role in driving the day-to-day operations of an international research initiative, working closely with a diverse team to ensure seamless coordination across researchers, partners, and private/public stakeholders worldwide.You will collaborate closely with a dedicated secretariat team, including a project manager, a secretary/office assistant, and an IT/data steward, led by the initiative’s scientific program manager. Together, you will be responsible for timely development and execution of key program enabling activities, ensuring effective communication, and coordinating resources to support the leadership, researchers, and partners worldwide.We offer flexible working hours that promote a healthy work-life balance, alongside a supportive environment where teamwork and personal development are prioritized. As part of the secretariat team, you will have opportunities to grow professionally through training and skill-building initiatives that enhance your expertise in project management within an international research context.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 permanent position. Starting date is June 1st, 2025, or according to mutual agreement.The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus, in DTU Bioengineering’s newly renovated building 223.Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than Monday 21 April 2025. 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 Associate Professor Rasmus John Normand Frandsen via email or +45 452 52708, +45 2251 1435 (mobile).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 Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.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.

Expected salary

Location

Kongens Lyngby, Hovedstaden – Lyngby, Midtjylland

Job date

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 04:45:01 GMT

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