Two PhD scholarships in analysis of aquatic eDNA

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.

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

Click here for more information about responsibilites and qualifications

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.

Application Procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 22 October 2023 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply at: Two PhD scholarships in analysis of aquatic eDNA

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 projects or 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.