Ecology and fish population connectivity at its core

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/denmark.png Denmark
  • University/Institute Name Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
  • University/Institute Name Department of Marine Management
  • Attendance Type On Campus
  • Position Duration3 years
  • Position Funding Type
  • Application deadlineExpired

Position Details (PhD)

Are you interested in both our fundamental understanding of coastal ecology and applying this knowledge to inform evidence based advice for the management of our coastal resources? This PhD position, based in the Section for Ecosystem Based Marine Management at DTU Aqua, has fundamental ecology and fish population connectivity at its core, while its results will be used in providing advice to managers and other stakeholders of coastal marine areas.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The purpose of the project is to improve our understanding of how populations of fish in coastal habitats are connected.  Your research will consider both migration between geographically isolated coastal areas as well as dispersal and migration between coastal and offshore areas during different life-history stages. Working collaboratively with senior researchers across DTU Aqua’s sections, you will develop upon the institute’s existing fish tagging and tracking methods.  Furthermore, as a Fiskepleje funded project you will engage with our network of active volunteer fishers, possibly for collaboration but also for dissemination.

Your primary tasks will be to:

  • Analyse trace element signatures of existing otolith specimens to establish area-specific baselines and to assign individuals to different geographic regions, according to the life-history of various fish species.
  • Design and execute a field study(ies) for the purpose of tracking seasonal movements of coastal fish.
  • Collaborate with and disseminate findings to coastal marine stakeholders.
  • Gain teaching/supervision experience for Masters level courses/projects.
  • Publish and disseminate findings in peer-reviewed journals and reputable conferences.
  • Participate in the production of management advice.

We are looking for a candidate who has:

  • Experience in marine ecological research (including practical field and/or laboratory work)
  • Preferentially some knowledge of otolith growth dynamics
  • Proven experience with experimental data management and statistical analyses (R skills a strong positive)
  • Experience with mass spectrometry or other quantitative biochemistry would is desirable but not necessary
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English

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.

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.

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 position is a full-time position. The successful candidate is expected to start on the 1st of April, 2023 but with room for negotiation.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Elliot Brown ([email protected]), Mikael van Deurs ([email protected]), or Karin Hüssy ([email protected]).

Please do not send applications to the above e-mail addresses but follow the electronic application and submission procedure as explained below.

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 January 2023 (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 (in English) including official description of grading scale
  • A brief description of research (max 2 pages), outlining how you might address this PhD project.

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.

Research Skills Required

Computer/Software Skills Required

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Which language proficiency is required?

Applicant type required for this position

Position Start Date

April 1, 2023