A PhD scholarship (3-year employment) in Fisheries Technology will be available at DTU Aqua (National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark) with a preferred start in March 2022.
The place of work will be at the Section for Fisheries Technology at DTU Aqua in Hirtshals, Denmark.
The Section for Fisheries Technology has over 25 years of experience in developing cutting-edge technology to understand and improve the environmental and economic performance of commercial fisheries, and providing advice to policy makers. We have strong collaborative networks within Fisheries Technology, both nationally and internationally.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Towed fishing gears, especially demersal trawls, are responsible for a large portion of unwanted catches, globally. Consequently, there is a large focus on improving their environmental sustainability while ensuring that the fisheries remain economically viable. Understanding fish behaviour in relation to commercial fishing gears is important in the development of more efficient, selective, and low environmental impact fishing gears. Behaviour of marine organisms is typically studied using various types of underwater cameras attached to the fishing gear. This however, gives limitations in the operational conditions during which observations can be obtained.
Recent technological developments, such as high frequency acoustics, as well as alternative platforms for collecting data, such as remotely operated vehicles, provide new quantitative ways to study fish behaviour in relation to fishing gear. This has the potential to support the development of more sustainable fishing methods.
This project will investigate the potential of using high frequency acoustics, remotely operated vehicles and real-time underwater cameras, to describe detailed fish behaviour in relation to fishing gears. Furthermore, focus will be on how fish behaviour may be better utilized in fishing gears, while also taking into consideration physical and physiological factors know to influence behaviour. The research will comprise i) method development and laboratory experiments, to develop a thorough understanding of the fundamental processes, and ii) experimental testing and development at sea.
The specific content of the project will be formulated in cooperation with the successful candidate reflecting the candidates’ qualifications, under the outline defined by externally funded projects and ongoing activities. The candidate will join an active, international and cross-disciplinary research team. A significant part of the research and development activities is to be carried out in collaboration with the fishing and fishing gear industries. The project is a collaboration between DTU Aqua, Denmark and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway.
We are looking for a candidate with several of the following competences:
- Research experience within the field of marine and aquatic sciences.
- An interest in or prior experience in working with acoustic and/or behavioural data.
- Experience in planning and conducting field and/or laboratory work.
- Experience in statistical analysis/modelling.
- An interest in or prior experience in programming (e.g. R, Python) is advantageous.
- Good communication skills in English, both written and orally.
- Problem-solving skills and ability to conduct research independently.
- Emphasis is also placed on personal suitability.
- Strong interest in participating in an inter-disciplinary and international research environment.
- Willingness to contribute to a positive and inspirational work atmosphere.
The candidate 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.
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.
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.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof Ludvig Krag (lak@aqua.dtu.dk), Researcher Junita Karlsen (juka@aqua.dtu.dk) or Head of Section Jordan Feekings (jpfe@aqua.dtu.dk).
For general information on the PhD application, please contact PhD Secretary Karin Stubgaard (stub@aqua.dtu.dk).
You can read more about the institute at www.aqua.dtu.dk
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 4 February 2022 (Danish time).
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:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma including official description of grading scale
- Brief research proposal (1-2 pages) presenting ideas on how to address the research topics given in the short description of the PhD project above.
- Recommendation letters from senior professionals are welcomed.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
For further information on the application process, visit this website.