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PhD Scholarship: By-product proteins in aquaculture feeds at DTU Aqua

Deadline: 15. april 2018
For details and to apply, click here.


A PhD Scholarship is available at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua) with expected starting date August 1st, 2017.  DTU Aqua is an institute at the Technical University of Denmark.

The focus of the PhD is the potential use of protein sources that arise as by-products or production side streams in the Nordic countries in aquaculture feeds. The scholarship is financed by the Nordic Center of Excellence project SUREAQUA funded by NordForsk under the Nordic Council of Ministers, with support from the PhD school at DTU Aqua.

The position is based at the Section for Aquaculture, DTU Aqua in Hirtshals, but part of the work will be conducted in collaboration with project partners. The candidate should expect to spend a maximum of 6 months in other Nordic countries. The supervisors will be Senior Scientists Bodil K. Larsen and Ivar Lund and Associate Professor Peter V. Skov.

The goal of DTU Aqua is to provide research, advice and education at the highest international level within the technological and biological aspects of aquaculture. The technological research themes focus on rearing systems and environmental effects, while the biological research themes encompass nutrition, bioenergetics, and welfare in fishes. The institute has an international research staff comprising approx. 120 scientific employees.

The PhD position is part of the thematic area Technology development and Biorefinery approaches. The overall goal of the PhD is to improve the efficient use of protein sources that originate as by-products and side streams in agricultural, medical, or other industrial production processes, in aquaculture fish feed. Evaluation includes physical and nutritional characterization of raw materials, assessment of a variety of pre-treatment processes to improve or make available nutritional components, and testing dietary inclusion in growth trials. Performance of ingredients are to be assessed by traditional means, such as growth performance, feed conversion and digestibility, but also by exploring any occurring changes in hormonal signalling, gene expression, or the overall physiological condition of fishes.

The PhD is a part of the SUREAQUA Nordic Centre of Excellence (www.sureaqua.no). The overarching aim of SUREAQUA is to promote the circular bioeconomy in aquatic production, through the use of innovative technology and bio-refinery solutions, in order to boost aquatic production, profitability, and job creation in the Nordic countries.

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with a Masters degree (M.Sc., M.Eng., or eqivalent) in the field of aquaculture or nutrition. Ideally, you have a strong interest in nutritional biochemistry and physiology, previous experience in experimental work with fish, including the proper design and execution of experiments, strong proficiency in written and spoken English, desire to disseminate your work, and an ability to work independently and identify relevant questions that arise.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Assessment
Senior Scientists Bodil K. Larsen and Ivar Lund, and Associate Professor Peter V. Skov, DTU Aqua will assess the applicants.

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 an 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 with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information
For further information about the project, please contact Senior Scientist Bodil K. Larsen, bkl@aqua.dtu.dk

General information may be obtained from Rikke Hansen rikh@aqua.dtu.dk (+45) 3588 3001

Please do not send applications by e-mail, instead apply online as described below.

Application
Please submit your online application no later than 15 April 2018.

Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in 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
Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
Description of skills according to qualifications.
Brief research proposal (1-2 pages) presenting ideas on how to address the research topics given in the short description of the PhD project aboveCandidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

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

The purpose of DTU Aqua is to provide research, advice and education at the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation of living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms and the dynamics of ecosystems as well as their integration in ecosystem-based management. DTU Aqua has 290 employees, of whom 120 are scientific staff. The other employees are assistant biologists, laboratory technicians, IT employees, administrative staff, ship’s crew, student assistants etc. The institute is organized into eight scientific sections which carry out the research, educational and advisory activities. In addition, the institute has a number of scientific and administrative support functions, including the research vessel DANA. DTU Aqua has employees in Lyngby, Silkeborg, Nykøbing Mors and Hirtshals as well as on Dana. You can read more about DTU Aqua on www.aqua.dtu.dk

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and scientific advice. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 11,000 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.