PhD Scholarship in Marine Fish Ecology and Citizen Science - DTU Aqua

Are you interested in fish ecology and seagrass ecosystems? Join us in an exciting venture to understand the complexities of seagrass ecosystems and their fish communities. We are looking for a dedicated PhD candidate to embark on a groundbreaking project that sits at the intersection of marine fish ecology and citizen science, with a focus on the vital role of fish within seagrass habitats.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The purpose of this Phd project is to explore and enhance the ecological functions and processes within degraded marine habitats, with a primary focus on the restoration and resilience of coastal ecosystems. We aim to investigate the re-colonization dynamics of fish communities in relation to seagrass transplantation efforts and to advance the concept of marine rewilding, particularly emphasizing the significant role of top predators

. A crucial part is the active involvement and collaboration with the public, particularly through volunteer engagement and Citizen Science (e.g. key fisher sampling

 and the Fangstjournalen project

) and conducting fieldwork around Denmark as part of existing nature restoration initiatives. The project is a collaboration between DTU Aqua, SDU, and SLU Aqua, uniting a diverse range of research expertise and resources, including access to newly transplanted seagrass meadows and the integration of a diverse suite of methodologies for data collection.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Conduct extensive fieldwork involving sampling, tracking, and analysis of fish populations associated with seagrass ecosystems.
• Design and execute field studies, incl. leading enclosure experiments to assess the impact of mesopredators on seagrass conditions.
• Employ a variety of monitoring methods such as baited remote underwater video (BRUV), acoustic telemetry, fyke nets, and beach seining to gather comprehensive data on fish communities.
• Collaborate with volunteers, i.e. anglers and recreational fishers using gillnets, fyke nets etc., to facilitate wide-reaching data collection through innovative platforms like the key fisher sampling

   programme (DK; Nøglefisker

  , see also latest report

  ) and the Fangstjournalen project

  , enhancing both the scope and scale of research findings

• Collaborate with and disseminate findings to coastal marine stakeholders.
• Teach and co-supervise students at different levels in courses and associated projects.
• Publish and disseminate findings in peer-reviewed journals and reputable conferences.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Is passionate about marine environment and ecology.
• Has experience with conducting fieldwork, preferably in marine environments. Familiarity with fish sampling, tracking techniques, and citizen science is considered an advantage. 
• Is proficient in data analysis and statistical methods in R.
• Has excellent communication skills and is proficiency in English and preferably one of the Scandinavian languages (Danish, Swedish and Norwegian), to effectively engage with stakeholders, citizens, public and the scientific community.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to these standards, preferably marine biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field with good analytical skills.

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 1st of August 2024.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Mikael van Deurs (mvdaqua.dtu.dk

) and Christian Skov (csaqua.dtu.dk

).

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 7 April 2024 (23:59 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 the initial thoughts on the research (max 1 pages), outlining how you could 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.

Objectives of our research section

The objective of DTU Aqua's research into ecosystem based marine management is to develop knowledge and tools that can be used as the basis for advice on ecosystem based fisheries management taking overall goals as reflected in fisheries and environmental policy into account.

You can read more about our institute and section at

DTU Aqua

, and about research areas associated with the project, see

coastal ecology

,

ecological restoration

,

marine ecosystems

, .

Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.