Location: Tromsø, Norway
Employer: UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Application Deadline: 14 August 2025
Position Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (4 Years)
Language Requirement: English (Norwegian/Scandinavian language proficiency is a plus)
📢 Opportunity Overview
Are you passionate about marine research and sustainable aquaculture? UiT The Arctic University of Norway is inviting applications for a PhD Fellowship in the Marine Biodegradation of Polymers used in Aquaculture and Fisheries. This position is a collaborative effort between UiT’s Norwegian College of Fishery Science (NCFS) and two leading research partners – SINTEF Industry (Oslo) and SINTEF Ocean (Trondheim).
This interdisciplinary PhD opportunity is part of the SFI Dsolve project—an initiative to develop eco-friendly, biodegradable plastic materials for marine environments.
🔬 Research Focus: Sustainable Polymers in the Marine Ecosystem
The core of this PhD research lies in understanding the environmental degradation of polymers used in aquaculture and fisheries. Key materials include biodegradable plastics like PBS, PBAT, PBSA, and Bio-PES, commonly used in ropes, nets, and twines.
The research will investigate:
- Mechanisms of biodegradation (photodegradation, microbial action, temperature effects)
- Comparative analysis between biodegradable and conventional polymers
- Mechanical and chemical property changes during degradation (e.g., tensile strength, abrasion)
- Polymer characterization techniques like SEM, FTIR, NMR, SEC, and Pyrolysis-GC-MS
You will collaborate with chemists, physicists, marine biologists, economists, and industry stakeholders to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for the fishing and aquaculture industries.
📍 Work Location & Mobility
- Primary workplace: UiT, Tromsø
- Secondary placements: SINTEF Industry (Oslo) and SINTEF Ocean (Trondheim)
- International research visits may be included for advanced biodegradation studies
🎓 Eligibility & Qualifications
✅ Required:
- Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, polymer science, or related fields (degree must be completed before the position begins)
- Solid understanding of polymer chemistry or physics
- Experience in mechanical or tribological testing of materials
- English language proficiency (documented)
💡 Desired:
- Hands-on experience with polymer characterization techniques (SEM, FT-IR, NMR, etc.)
- Prior research on marine plastic degradation or microplastics
- Knowledge of a Scandinavian language (e.g., Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish) is a strong advantage
📌 Note: Candidates already holding a PhD will not be considered.
💬 Application Must Include
- Motivation letter (2–3 pages)
- Detailed CV (education, experience, publications)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and transcripts
- Documentation of English proficiency
- Master’s thesis (or draft, if not yet completed)
- List of publications (if any)
- Up to 3 reference letters
All documents must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian language. Only applications submitted via Jobbnorge by the deadline will be considered.
💰 Salary & Benefits
- Annual salary: NOK 536,200 (approx. €47,000), with a 3% annual increment
- Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage through Norway’s National Insurance Scheme
- Flexible working hours, state-funded benefits, and family-friendly policies
- Access to UiT’s excellent research infrastructure and international network
🤝 Inclusive Hiring & Equal Opportunities
UiT values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates with disabilities, career gaps, or immigrant backgrounds are encouraged to apply and may receive interview priority if qualified. Workplace accommodations can be arranged as needed.
🧭 About UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
UiT is the world’s northernmost university and a leading hub for Arctic and marine research. With campuses across Northern Norway, UiT offers a unique environment for impactful research and global collaboration.
The Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics (BFE) focuses on:
- Arctic and marine ecosystems
- Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
- Marine bioprospecting and biotechnology
- Environmental economics and resource management
📞 Contact Details
For more information, reach out to:
- Prof. Roger Larsen
Email: roger.larsen@uit.no
Phone: +47 77644536 - Dr. Christian Karl (SINTEF Industry)
Email: christian.karl@sintef.no
Phone: +47 41383174
📅 Application Deadline: 14 August 2025
🔗 Apply now via Jobbnorge Portal
Make a meaningful contribution to the future of sustainable aquaculture. Join a research team that’s shaping the next generation of marine plastic solutions.