PhD scholarship in Microalgae for fish feeds - DTU Aqua

If you are interested in establishing a career within aquaculture & nutrition and work on microalgae as feeds for aquaculture in a context of solutions to improve sustainability and circular economy, this three-year PhD Scholarship should be something for you.

Responsibilities and qualifications
DTU Aqua offers a 3-year PhD position in microalgae for fish feed. Your overall focus will be on different microalgae species and their nutritional quality for use in aquaculture feeds.

You will be employed in the Section for Aquaculture located at DTU’s satellite campus in Hirtshals at the scenic west coast of Denmark. Here, you will gain scientific experience in cultivation and utilization of microalgae for fish feed and nutrition, including nutrient uptake and utilization.

The PhD scholarship is part of a larger project to develop circular economy by utilizing sludge from a commercial fish farm to produce micro algae.  Your overall work and focus will be to test, grow and analyze different microalgae species under specific conditions to improve their nutritional quality and composition for subsequent use in aquaculture feeds. By that, you will contribute to proving a concept of circular economy involving several industrial partners in collaboration with nearby colleagues. Your primary research and tasks will be to:

• Work with different algae species and test different media and gases based on waste outlet from a recirculating aquaculture farm (RAS).
• Examine the influence of media and CO2 (biogas) on algae composition (protein, lipid, and fatty acids with focus on their ability to bind CO2 and the long chain PUFA synthesis.
• Test functionality of algae on fish larval development, performance, fatty acid composition, and microbiome activity.
• Formulate extruded feeds containing whole-cell meal or extracts of algae and test these in digestibility trials with salmonids.
• Assess theoretical costs and profitability of using various algae species and their nutritional composition and potential (lipids, FA, proteins).
• Complete required PhD school courses and external research stay.
• Disseminate scientific results in peer-reviewed scientific articles.
• Attend conferences to present your research and expand your academic network.
• Contribute to section work tasks including occasional teaching and MSc-supervision.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Desired traits and skills: 

• Curiosity and high motivation for aquaculture research
• Relevant background in microalgae and/or nutrition and nutritional biochemistry
• Practical experience in algae cultivation and/or live animal trials
• Accuracy and patience for laboratory work
• Analytical skills and experience in statistical analysis
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Senior Research Scientist Ivar Lund and Head of Aquaculture Section, Per Bovbjerg Pedersen.

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 appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date is September 1st 2024, or according to mutual agreement. The position is located in Hirtshals and is full-time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information may be required from Senior Research Scientist Ivar Lund, DTU Aqua, e-mail: [email protected]

You can read more about the Section at  www.aqua.dtu.dk/english/research/aquaculture 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 May 2024  (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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

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

DTU Aqua – National Institute of Aquatic Resources – works for well-functioning oceans, rivers, and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. Our research, advisory service, and education contribute to the development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy, robust aquatic ecosystems, and reduced effects of climate change. We have a large national and international network and cooperate with research partners, public authorities, industry, and NGOs. We have state-of-the-art research facilities and Denmark’s only ocean- and arctic-going research vessel. The Institute has 360 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including 45 PhD students. More than 35 nationalities are represented at the Institute, and we support an equal gender distribution. We are located in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and have regular activities in Greenland. Learn more at www.aqua.dtu.dk  

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.