Job Details
A PhD position is available at The Norwegian College of Fishery Science (NCFS), Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics (BFE) in close collaboration with SINTEF Industry (Oslo) and SINTEF Ocean (Trondheim). The position is affiliated with the research group Harvest.The PhD position is within marine biodegradation of polymers used for materials used aquaculture and fisheries.
The position is for a period of four years. The nominal length of the PhD programme is three years. The fourth year is distributed as 25 % each year and will consist of teaching and other duties. The objective of the position is to complete research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to the PhD programme is a prerequisite for employment, and the programme period starts on commencement of the position.
The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø, although the candidate is expected to spend a proportion of their time at SINTEF Industry in Oslo and partly in Trondheim at SINTEF Ocean. The position also provides for part of the work to be done abroad to study biodegradation. You must be able to start in the position within a reasonable time after receiving the offer.
The position is a part of our participation in the center for research-based innovation: SFI Dsolve- Biodegradable plastics for marine applications which includes SINTEF Industry and SINTEF Ocean as well as several other research and industry partners. The candidate shall collaborate with industrial partners in the SFI.
The main supervisors for the candidate will be from the research group Harvest at the UiT as well as with a co-supervisor from SINTEF Industry and other research partners. SINTEF Industry and SINTEF Ocean are in possession of facilities for polymers and composites research covering polymer characterization, weathering experiments and mechanical tests, including labs for the investigation of biodegradation in natural sea water and marine sediments.
The project
The PhD project is within the SFI Dsolve financed by the Research Council of Norway. This is a multi-disciplinary project concentrated around the development and introduction of biodegradable plastics in fisheries and aquaculture. The PhD project associated with the PhD position aims to understand the degradation processes (e. g. via photodegradation, microbial degradation, temperature) of polymers (e. g., PBS, PBAT, PBSAT, PBSA, Bio-PES) which are used for biodegradable fibres, twines, nets and ropes.
The research work of the candidate shall contribute to develop new models and knowledge on degradation mechanisms of biodegradable polymers under ambient environmental conditions in comparison to standard non degradable polymers which are used for conventional fibres and various types of ropes.
Furthermore, it is intended to assess the extent to which the degradation of polymers has an influence on the mechanical properties (e. g. tensile strength and abrasion) of the polymers used. The characterisation of the polymer composition, molecular structure and their relationship to material properties will be central to the work.
The main supervisors for the candidate will be from the research group Harvest at the UiT as well as with a co-supervisor from SINTEF Industry and other research partners. SINTEF Industry and SINTEF Ocean are in possession of facilities for polymers and composites research covering polymer characterization, weathering experiments and mechanical tests, including labs for the investigation of biodegradation in natural sea water and marine sediments.
The project
The PhD project is within the SFI Dsolve financed by the Research Council of Norway. This is a multi-disciplinary project concentrated around the development and introduction of biodegradable plastics in fisheries and aquaculture. The PhD project associated with the PhD position aims to understand the degradation processes (e. g. via photodegradation, microbial degradation, temperature) of polymers (e. g., PBS, PBAT, PBSAT, PBSA, Bio-PES) which are used for biodegradable fibres, twines, nets and ropes.
The research work of the candidate shall contribute to develop new models and knowledge on degradation mechanisms of biodegradable polymers under ambient environmental conditions in comparison to standard non degradable polymers which are used for conventional fibres and various types of ropes.
Furthermore, it is intended to assess the extent to which the degradation of polymers has an influence on the mechanical properties (e. g. tensile strength and abrasion) of the polymers used. The characterisation of the polymer composition, molecular structure and their relationship to material properties will be central to the work.
Requirements
Required qualifications:- Master's degree or foreign equivalent in chermistry or physics (with polymer chemistry or polymer physics as main subject) or polymer chemistry, or polymer physics. Qualification with a master’s degree is required before commencement in the position. If you are near completion of your master’s degree, you may still apply and submit a draft version of the thesis and a statement from your supervisor or institution indicating when the degree will be obtained. You must still submit your transcript of grades for the master’s degree with your application.
- Applicants must document fluency of in English. Nordic applicants can document their English capabilities by attaching their high school diploma.
- Knowledge and experience in mechanical or tribological testing or wear of polymers
- Additional knowledge and experience in polymer characterization (mainly SEM, FT-IR, NMR, SEC, Pyrolysis-GC-MS) ), and/or degradation of polymers in the sea (field trials) and/or microplastics will be highly weighted in the selection process.
- Ability to speak Norwegian or another Scandinavian language will be considered as strong merit and will be highly weighted in the selection process.
We will also emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position. We are looking for candidates who:
- Have excellent analytical and collaboration skills as well as an ability to work both independently and in teams
- Have a positive, balanced personality who can think creatively and critically
- Have good communication and interaction with colleagues and students
Contact Information
UiT- The Arctic University of Norwayhttps://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/279746/phd-fellow-on-the-marine-biodegradation-of-polymers-used-for-aquaculture-and-fisheries
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Roger Larsen:
- phone: +47 77644536
email: roger.larsen@uit.no
Or Dr. Christian Karl
- phone: +47 41383174
- email: christian.karl@sintef.no
Post Date: 6/23/2025 12:05:34 PM
Closing Date: 7/7/2025 12:00:00 AM
