Ref PAR 2022/1705

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Subject areas: marine biological sciences, bioengineering, microbiology

Project Description

Alternatives to traditional fish feed ingredients such as fishmeal, corn and soy are urgently needed to improve the sustainability of aquaculture production to ensure that it can continue to provide high quality seafood as an integral part of human diets. At the same time, many nutrients are currently lost from feeds in aquaculture production which could be captured and revalorised. This position is part of an EU-funded project to improve productivity of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) systems through improved valorization of waste streams. As such, the post-doc will explore economically viable revalorization solutions centred around how waste nutrients or energy from other industries can be incorporated back into feed production, or how wastes from fish farms can repurposed into systems such as aquaponics. For instance, we will look at how to develop aquafeeds and feed supplements using primary producers such as microalgae, bacteria, archaea, yeasts and other single-celled organisms, as well as incorporating other innovative feed sources such as polycheates, mealworms or black soldier fly larvae into fish diets. We will draw heavily on knowledge and technology from other fields such as biofuel production and wastewater management to address challenges of producing better feeds and feed enhancers, as well as reducing waste nutrient and energy outputs for aquaculture within the context of a circular bioeconomy.

Project Objectives

In this project, the postdoc will work with industry and academic partners in the development of alternative fish feeds, improving the nutrient potential of aquaculture wastes for revalorisation. The postdoc will participate in research aimed at implementable improvements to nutrient and energy cycling in aquaponic facilities, as well as contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying these improvements. There is considerable latitude to adjust this project to a candidate’s skills and interests.

Working Environment

Although based at the University of Gothenburg, the successful candidate will be responsible for running applied experiments in aquaculture facilities, feed companies and aquaponics producers within Sweden and internationally. In addition to travel, the work involves communicating with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers, as well as data scientists in several international research groups. Therefore, it is essential to have demonstrated team skills and proficiencies in both verbal and written English. While the exact start date for the position is negotiable, a start date in autumn 2023 is desirable. The position comes with a competitive salary plus coverage from Swedish national health and business travel insurance as well as a full spectrum of vacation and travel benefits.

Qualifications:

Candidates require a doctoral degree in bioengineering, microbiology or molecular biology, marine biology, or a related discipline. It would be advantageous to have prior experience with freshwater or marine aquaculture or aquaponics. Please note clearly if you have any background in technical operation of aquariums, aquaculture tanks or bioreactors, as well as experience in hydroponic, plant nutrition or irrigation systems.  In addition to exemplary teamwork and communication skills, the position will involve project planning and coordination (experimental design, purchasing, logistics), thus requiring demonstrated independence in that regard.

Application process:

Submission must occur via the online application portal and include:

• A CV and cover letter that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria
• Evidence of strong academic writing skills (include full text of 3 first-author peer-reviewed manuscripts, any reports or project/grant proposals written, and a copy of the PhD dissertation)
• Name and contact details of three referees attached in a file entitled References ‘your name’.pdf

If the following items are not evident on the CV, please state clearly in the cover letter (a) your willingness to travel for research periods in collaborating laboratories and industry facilities (b) evidence of teamwork (c) competence with specific statistical software.

Employment 

Type of employment: Fixed-term 2 year postdoctoral employment with possibility for renewal

Location: Department of Marine Sciences, Gothenburg, Sweden

Closing date:  September 15, 2023

First day of employment: Negotiable, but preferably prior to autumn 2023

Contact information for the post 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact reasearcher Alyssa Joyce at alyssa.joyce@marine.gu.se  

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande 

Application 

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. 

Applications must be received by: 2023-09-15

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