PhD: Circular Economy Solutions for Fish Sludge Valorization

Job Details

Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture at Nord University  invites applications from outstanding candidates for a PhD position focused on advancing the circular bioeconomy through the innovative valorisation of fish sludge.

The project aims to fractionate fish sludge into its primary chemical constituents—fats, proteins, and carbohydrates—and convert these into high-value products and chemicals. By doing so, it will enhance resource utilisation and reduce waste within the aquaculture sector. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in sustainable bioprocessing, resource recovery, and industrial applications, contributing to innovative solutions for a more sustainable aquaculture industry.

The contract is for a 3-year period without teaching duties. The planned start date is set for February/March 2026, though this is flexible

Requirements

Qualification requirements

• A completed master’s degree (or equivalent) that meets the admission requirements for the Ph.D. programme in Biosciences at Nord University. Relevant academic backgrounds include chemistry, chemical engineering, or other closely related disciplines.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Desirable:

• Research experience in waste valorisation
• Knowledge of fish sludge material
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Candidates who already have a PhD degree will not be considered for the position.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• Theme and perspectives from the applicant’s master’s study. 
• The applicant’s description of motivation for the doctoral work and opportunities for completion
• Relevant experience from research work
• Ability to work independently, goal-oriented and systematically
• Personal suitability

Contact Information

Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting :

• Professor Ravindra Kumar, e-mail: ravindra.kumar@nord.no , tlf +47 741 12 007

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically by 01.10.2025

The application should include:

• Application letter with description of your motivation for applying for the position
• Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience and overview of any scientific publications)
• Copy of diploma for both bachelor and master education and relevant certificates
• Copy of the applicant’s master’s thesis as a PDF file
• Project description of 3-5 pages where you explain the idea for the PhD project, theoretical anchoring and methodological approach
• The project outline should include a progress plan for how the fellowship period is intended to be used
• Name and contact information of 1-3 references (name, your relation to the person, email and phone number)
• Other activity that is considered relevant for the position, and wishes to be taken into account in the assessment

All documents must be uploaded as attachments to the electronic application form.

It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the complete documentation within the deadline.