Are you passionate about sustainable aquaculture and looking to advance your career in fish nutrition research? DTU Aqua is offering an exciting three-year PhD scholarship that focuses on optimizing plant-based ingredients in fish feed, with a special emphasis on faba beans as a protein source. This position presents an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in making significant contributions to sustainable aquaculture practices while working with leading researchers in Denmark.
Scholarship Overview: Advancing Fish Nutrition Research
This fully-funded PhD position at DTU Aqua focuses on an increasingly important area in aquaculture sustainability: the optimization of plant-based ingredients in fish feed. With growing concerns about the environmental impact of traditional fish feed ingredients, this research aims to develop more sustainable alternatives that maintain excellent fish health and performance.
Research Focus: The successful candidate will investigate multiple antinutritional factors (ANFs) in plant-based feed ingredients, particularly faba beans, and explore strategies to mitigate their potential negative effects on fish performance, nutrient utilization, and gut health.
| Position Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position Title | PhD Scholarship in Fish Nutrition |
| Location | DTU Aqua, Hirtshals, Denmark |
| Duration | 3 years (full-time) |
| Starting Date | September 1st, 2025 (or by mutual agreement) |
| Application Deadline | June 1st, 2025 (23:59 Danish time) |
| Job ID | 5038 |
Key Responsibilities and Research Focus
The PhD position encompasses a variety of responsibilities aimed at advancing knowledge in sustainable fish nutrition. The research will contribute significantly to DTU Aqua’s competencies regarding antinutrients in plant-based fish feed ingredients and their effects on fish feed utilization.
Primary Research Activities:
- Develop a comprehensive PhD plan outlining experimental trials and research methodology
- Analyze the nutritional profile and antinutritional factors (ANFs) of plant-based feed ingredients using advanced techniques such as UPLC, enzyme assays, and LC-MS
- Contribute to innovative fish feed formulation and production using a pilot-scale extruder
- Design and conduct in vivo trials with salmonids to evaluate feed performance
- Apply histological analysis and biochemical assays to interpret the effects of ANFs on fish performance, nutrient utilization, and gut health
Academic Development:
- Complete required PhD school courses to enhance research skills and knowledge
- Conduct an external research stay at a partner institution
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Present research at international conferences
- Contribute to teaching and supervision of Master’s students
- Support the daily operations of the research group
Required Qualifications and Skills
The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong foundation in nutrition science or biotechnology, combined with practical research experience and excellent analytical skills. DTU Aqua is looking for candidates who can work independently while collaborating effectively with academic and industrial partners.
| Qualification Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Academic Background | Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) in nutrition, biotechnology, or related field |
| Technical Skills | Laboratory analysis experience, understanding of plant ingredient biochemistry, experience with live fish/animal trials |
| Research Abilities | Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, accuracy and patience for laboratory work |
| Communication | Strong written and oral communication skills in English |
| Work Style | Ability to work independently, collaborate with research partners |
Benefits and Work Environment
DTU offers a dynamic, international research environment with numerous benefits for PhD scholars. The position provides an excellent opportunity to develop specialized expertise in sustainable aquaculture while contributing to solutions for global food production challenges.
What DTU Offers:
- A rewarding and challenging position at a globally recognized technical university
- An international work environment characterized by academic excellence
- Salary based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Collegial respect and academic freedom balanced with responsibility
- Opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and industry partners
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities
- Clear career development paths within the institution
Application Process and Timeline
Interested candidates should prepare a complete application package as a single PDF file containing all required materials. Applications must be submitted online through DTU’s application portal by the specified deadline.
Important Note: You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree, but you cannot begin the position until you have received it.
Required Application Materials:
- A one-page motivation letter (cover letter)
- Comprehensive curriculum vitae including a list of potential publications
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English)
- Official description of the grading scale used
Selection Process:
Applications will be assessed by a committee consisting of Senior Research Scientist Anne Johanne Tang Dalsgaard, Postdoc Kylian Manon Eggink, and Professor, Head of Section Per Bovbjerg Pedersen. The scholarship is subject to academic approval, and the successful candidate will be enrolled in one of DTU’s general degree programs.
Apply Now – Deadline: June 1st, 2025About DTU Aqua
DTU Aqua – National Institute of Aquatic Resources – is dedicated to ensuring well-functioning oceans, rivers, and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. The institute’s research, advisory services, and education contribute significantly to:
- Development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy
- Building robust aquatic ecosystems
- Reducing the effects of climate change
With approximately 360 employees, half of whom are scientific staff including about 50 PhD students, DTU Aqua maintains a diverse and international work environment representing over 35 nationalities. The institute supports gender equality and has locations in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg, with regular activities in Greenland.
As part of DTU (Technical University of Denmark), which was founded in 1829 by Hans Christian Ørsted, the institute participates in the university’s mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. Today, DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees working in an international, inclusive, and collaborative environment.
Additional Information for Applicants
International applicants may find valuable resources to assist with relocation and adjustment to working in Denmark:
- DTU provides helpful information about working in Denmark through their “Moving to Denmark” resource
- Monthly free “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup” Zoom seminars are available for questions regarding practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU
- All interested candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion, or ethnic background
- As DTU works with research in critical technology subject to special security and export control rules, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates
Contact Information
For further information about this exciting PhD opportunity, please contact:
| Contact Person | Senior Research Scientist Anne Johanne Tang Dalsgaard |
| Institution | DTU Aqua |
| jtd@aqua.dtu.dk | |
| Location | Niels Juelsvej 30, Bygn. 30, Hirtshals, 9850, Denmark |
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your academic career while contributing to sustainable aquaculture solutions. Apply for the PhD scholarship in fish nutrition at DTU Aqua before June 1st, 2025!