The National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua) offers a position within the Fish Biology Research Group, to assist in experimental research developing and applying tagging technology and methodology with the overall aim to gain information regarding the spawning area of European eels (Anguilla anguilla). The position relates to the TAG-EEL project, funded by the Villum Experiment Programme.
European eels have significant ecological, economic and societal importance, but became “critically endangered” as the natural population declined to a historical minimum. They live in freshwater habitats and migrate to the ocean to spawn, but the migration route and the spawning area largely remains an enigma. As such, this research assistant position will focus on fish handling and contribute to testing, refining, and applying spawning detection technology on maturing European eels.
The project includes two phases. In phase 1, tagging methodology will be tested and refined in laboratory experiments, where eels will be matured via assisted reproductive protocols, enabling research on spawning eels, which have never been encountered in nature. In phase 2, so called “silver” eels, collected from nature (obtained from legal fisheries), will be tagged with the optimized techniques and technology obtained from phase 1, to identify the entire migration route and pinpoint the exact spawning area.
Overall, the outcome of this project will enable unpreceded understanding of the species-specific life cycle ecology and reproductive biology as well as the associated challenges, needs and preferences during one of nature’s most spectacular spawning migration journeys. The knowledge gained, might also be of interest for conservation management of this species.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be associated with aiding the laboratory experiments, where you will assist in testing the effect of different tagging technology and methodology on the well-being of eels, including monitoring of stress levels, swimming performance and energetics.
Your primary tasks will be:
- handling of the experimental fish and manage hormonal broodstock maturation
- assistance with performing experimental studies targeting eel behaviour and physiology
- assistance with collecting video data for behaviour analysis throughout maturation and at spawning
- aiding in conducting trials in a swim tunnel to study eel kinematics and energetics
- helping in the collection, management and analysis of data from different experiments
- assistance with tagging eels in nature with the optimized techniques and technology
You will closely work with students, academic colleagues, technical and laboratory personnel, but also with academic and industrial partners in Denmark as well as abroad. As such, we would really appreciate if you are an open-minded, responsible, and self-driven person, ready to engage in a team and interact with good communication skills.
As a formal qualification, you must have a master’s degree in engineering or equivalent.
The ideal candidate brings
- Experience in conducting controlled experimental research (ideally in fish)
- Experience in assisted reproduction methods (ideally in eel)
- FELASA C / EU function ABD or minimum FELASA B / EU function AD
- Strong work ethics
- Fluency in spoken and written English
In addition, it is an advantage if you possess:
- Previous experience with fish tagging techniques and technology
- Insights in experimental design for testing relevant treatments
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.
Within the Fish Biology Research Group at DTU Aqua, we offer an inspiring workplace, characterized by a good working environment, with colleagues who are willing to help, guide and discuss ideas or problems, but also well-equipped facilities with the opportunity to work with relevant technologies.
Salary and terms of employment
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 1 year. Starting date will be 1st of April 2023 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position. The primary workplace will be at DTU Aqua in Hirtshals.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Researcher Dr Sebastian Politis, snpo@aqua.dtu.dk or Senior Researcher Dr Jonna Tomkiewicz, jt@aqua.dtu.dk.
Read more about DTU Aqua and our Fish Biology Research Group here.
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 1 February 2023.
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, 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.
Further information can be found here.