PhD Candidate in bioreactors for aquaculture water treatment

Job Details

The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science (IBT ) has a vacancy for a 100% position as a PhD candidate within the field of biological water treatment in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). 

You will be part of the Analysis and Control of Microbial Systems group (ACMS ), that is now integrated into the Microbial Biotechnology  research group. We are passionate about conducting fundamental research to deepen our understanding of microorganisms and apply them to production and environmental processes. Your PhD supervisor will be Associate Professor Sharada Navada , who has 10 years of international work experience in the water treatment industry. 

Depending on your research topic, you will have the opportunity to collaborate across NTNU departments and the aquaculture industry in Norway.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

About the project

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) use biological water treatment to remove toxic compounds produced by the fish. Fluctuations in water quality can stress the biological reactors, thus impairing treatment efficiency and posing a risk to fish health. This project will explore stress adaptation in bioreactors and water treatment in aquaculture. 

The work will involve experimental studies on biofilm reactors. There may be opportunities to collaborate on other projects in water treatment and can include interactions with the aquaculture industry.

Duties of the position

• Participate and collaborate within the research group to conduct high-quality research
• Communicate the research through academic publications, popular science dissemination and national/international conferences
• If applicable, teaching/research exchange/collaboration on other relevant projects
• Complete the doctoral education by submitting and defending the thesis within the stipulated period

Requirements

Required selection criteria

• You must have a relevant background within biotechnology, biochemical, or environmental engineering. Candidates with a related background in biology, microbiology, or chemical engineering with relevant theoretical and laboratory skills may also apply.
• You must have a relevant Master's degree. Your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master's level. Master students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master's degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale . If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s doctoral program (PHBIOT )
• Excellentcommunication skills in oral and written English, preferably certified by a recognized institution (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE).

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and Regulations for the degrees philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) and philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in artistic development work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) for general criteria for the position.

Preferred selection criteria

• Skill in experimental design and wet-lab analyses
• Experience with bioreactor experiments
• Hands-on experience with biofilm research 

Personal characteristics

To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to: 

• Self-motivated and independent, with excellent time management skills
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Resilient and persistent, ability to work constructively under pressure
• Strong communication and collaborative skills, be open to feedback and teamwork

Contact Information

Where to apply

https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/285192/phd-candidate-in-bioreact…