Are you interested in working with analysis of aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA) in relation to marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries resource management? Then, you have the opportunity to come and work with us at DTU Aqua!
We have two available positions at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua), Denmark:
A PhD Scholarship to study biodiversity at offshore wind farms using eDNA to monitor spatial and temporal biodiversity variation, and to develop eDNA into a robust cost-efficient tool for marine environmental impact assessment. The project will apply advanced autonomous robotic instruments for in situ eDNA sampling and DNA analysis. The scholarship is part of the “WINDNA” project, financed by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and the Velux Foundations. The project includes collaboration with partners from the wind energy sector (Ørsted), private research and advice (DHI) and national authorities (Danish Environment Agency) as well as NGOs. The project will primarily be carried out at the Section for Marine Living Resources’ genetics group situated in Silkeborg, Denmark, but will also include sampling trips to the offshore windfarms and the possibility of an external study period abroad.
A PhD Scholarship to develop eDNA based methods to estimate bycatch of non-targeted fish species in large catches of pelagic fish (e.g., herring and mackerel). The aim of the project is to develop a high quality, cost-effective pipeline for eDNA based catch composition assessment using DNA from samples of production water surrounding the catch. The vision is that the method can replace the currently used manual and labour-intensive methods, which to date is based on visual identification of subsamples. The scholarship is part of the DNACATCH project funded by the Ministry of Food Agriculture and Fisheries through the Green Development and Demonstration Programme (GUDP). The project includes collaboration with the Danish pelagic fishing fleet (DPPO), fishmeal and fish oil producers (MID) and a private genetics/genomics company (Eurofins Genomics). The project will primarily be carried out at the Section for Marine Living Resources’ genetics group situated in Silkeborg, Denmark, but will also include sampling trips to fishing vessels and fish processing factories as well as an external study period abroad.
Both positions are imbedded in the genetics/genomics group at DTU Aqua. The group applies cutting edge molecular methods with the aim to generate knowledge and develop DNA based tools for aquatic biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management. The primary focus of the group is within population genetics/genomics and eDNA analyses. The group currently consists of around 15 people including researchers at different career stages, postdocs and PhD students as well as an experienced technical staff.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The ongoing climate and biodiversity crises call for new precise, fast, and cost-efficient methods for detection, monitoring and protection of biodiversity. For example, it has been decided that the massive build-up of offshore wind-power across the globe, should not be done at the expense of biodiversity. However, the monitoring of biodiversity using traditional methods is challenged by logistical, economical and time constraints. Likewise, catch composition monitoring of large landings of pelagic fish, often constituting >1000 t, poses a large challenge for traditional visual monitoring methods, as there are no means of sorting out all the different species in the total catch. For both examples eDNA based methods could prove highly valuable, as eDNA analysis is a general tool with high species resolution, which can be applied without any specific taxonomical expertise by the investigator. However, eDNA based applications does also include significant challenges before they can be applied in routine offshore biodiversity monitoring, as well as fisheries monitoring and control.
The overarching goal of both PhD projects is to develop eDNA from a “blue sky” basic science approach into a robust monitoring tool, which can be approved by and transferred to the industry and national authorities. Thus, for both projects the development of transparent and reproducible analytical pipelines from sampling to biodiversity inferences, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), is a requirement.
The successful students will for both projects work on the full pipeline of eDNA analysis, from sampling design and practical sampling, over molecular genetic/genomic analysis (qPCR and metabarcoding), to bioinformatics and subsequent statistical analysis of biodiversity data. You will work within a team consisting of experienced researchers and postdocs, where you will have daily interaction, including supervision, with other team members. Thus, you will be responsible for your own part of the project, but at the same time contribute to the overall output of the project and interact with external project partners and stakeholders.
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.
A background in eDNA analysis including metabarcoding is preferred and experience with bioinformatic analyses of large genomic data sets is an asset.
In addition, we are looking for candidates who have:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Biology, Computer Science or Engineering
- Keen interest in research within marine and aquatic sciences, including “molecular ecology”
- Good collaborative skills
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
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.
Assessments
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Einar Eg Nielsen and Senior Scientist Magnus Wulff Jacobsen.
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. The starting date is January 2024 (or earlier).
The two PhD students will be based at DTU Aqua in Silkeborg, Denmark, and will be integrated within WINDNA and DNACATCH projects and the genetics/genomics group at DTU Aqua. Exchange visits to world leading collaborators within the field of eDNA analysis are anticipated.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Einar Eg Nielsen, tel.: +45 40210231, email: een@aqua.dtu.dk.
General information may be obtained from Susan Zumbach Johannesen (szjo@aqua.dtu.dk).
You can read more about DTU Aqua and about the genetics group.
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 22 October 2023 (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
Please indicate which project you are applying for (title from the above list of PhD projectsor individual research projects) or if you apply for both.
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.
Further information on this opportunity can be found here.