PhD Scholarship on Insect-based Ingredients in Fish Feed

DTU Aqua seeks a candidate for a three-year PhD scholarship\r\nin the area of fish nutrition to study and explore the nutritional value of\r\ninsect-based ingredients in fish feed. The PhD position is available in the\r\nSection for Aquaculture (located at the North Sea Science Park in Hirtshals,\r\nDenmark) at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua). Expected\r\nstarting date is December 1st 2019 or according to mutual agreement.

Project description

Aquaculture production is steadily rising and there is an\r\nincreasing need for fish feed protein produced in a sustainable manner. To\r\nresolve this, the use of available resources must be optimized and previously\r\nconsidered waste products might be turned into valuable products (waste\r\nvalorization). Fish produced in aquaculture is an important source of protein\r\nin human nutrition but increasing fish, feed costs, due to expensive raw\r\ningredients, challenge the production. To accommodate this, insects grown on\r\nwaste products may substitute traditional fish feed ingredients.

This scholarship focuses on the nutritional value and\r\nassociated effects of including insect-based ingredients, such as black soldier\r\nfly larvae, in fish feed. The project involves optimization of insect nutrient\r\ncomposition (amino acid and fatty acid composition), incorporation into fish\r\nfeed, and subsequent studies on nutrient uptake and utilization by fish such as\r\nrainbow trout and tilapia. This may include studying the activity of digestive\r\nenzymes as well as the coupling between plasma amino acid availability and the\r\nregulation of protein synthesis. Live fish trials will be carried out in\r\nstate-of-the-art mass-balance setups and associated laboratories. Amino acid\r\ndigestibility and plasma amino acid availability will be studied using UPLC,\r\nand indicators of protein synthesis in tissue samples may be quantified using,\r\ne.g., Western Blotting and specific antibodies. The scholarship will be carried\r\nout in close collaboration with industrial partners.

\r\nQualifications
\r\nCandidates should hold a Master’s degree (M.Sc., M.Eng., or similar degree) in\r\nthe field of e.g., animal nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, or aquaculture\r\nscience. The ideal candidate has a strong background and interest in feed,\r\nnutrition, and nutritional biochemistry. Preference will be given to\r\ncandidates with:

1. \r\nA relevant background in nutrition and\r\nnutritional biochemistry

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2. \r\nPractical lab experience

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3. \r\nPractical experience in performing and sampling\r\nlive animal trials

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4. \r\nExperience with UPLC and Western Blotting

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5. \r\nInnovative skills, ability to generate new ideas\r\nand to implement them in practice

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6. \r\nIndependent problem-solving skills

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7. \r\nExcellent communication and language skills

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8. \r\nIn addition, a driver’s license (or acquisition\r\nthereof) is a must, and a good sense of humor will be appreciated.

Approval and\r\nEnrolment

The scholarship for the Ph.D. degree is subject to academic\r\napproval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree\r\nprograms at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the\r\ngeneral planning of the Ph.D. study program, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Assessment
\r\nAssessment of the applicants, with focus on qualifications listed above, will\r\nbe made by Senior Scientist Anne Johanne Tang Dalsgaard and Senior Scientist\r\nIvar Lund, DTU Aqua.

We offer
\r\nDTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of\r\nits research, education, innovation, and scientific advice. We offer a\r\nrewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for\r\nacademic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and\r\nacademic freedom tempered by responsibility. Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement\r\nwith the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will\r\nbe agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information
\r\nFor further information about the project, please contact Senior Scientist Anne\r\nJohanne Tang Dalsgaard; jtd@aqua.dtu.dkor\r\nSenior Scientist Ivar Lund; il@aqua.dtu.dk General\r\ninformation may be obtained from Rikke Hansen rikh@aqua.dtu.dk (+45) 3588 3001.

Please do not send applications by e-mail but apply online\r\nas described below.

Application
\r\nPlease submit your online application no later than 20 September 2019.

Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing\r\nall materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply\r\nonline,” fill in the online application form, and attach all your\r\nmaterials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:

1. \r\nA letter motivating the application (cover\r\nletter, max 2 pages)

2. \r\nCurriculum vitae (including a list of\r\npublications, if any)

3. \r\nGrade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma

4. \r\nExcel sheet with translation of grades to the\r\nDanish grading system (see guidelines and Excel\r\nspreadsheet here)

5. \r\nCandidates may apply prior to obtaining their\r\nmaster’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

6. \r\nApplications and enclosures received after the\r\ndeadline will not be considered.

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All\r\ninterested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion\r\nor ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
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\r\nThe purpose of DTU Aqua is to provide research, advice and education at the\r\nhighest international level within the sustainable exploitation of living\r\nmarine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms and the\r\ndynamics of ecosystems as well as their integration in ecosystem-based\r\nmanagement. DTU Aqua has 290 employees of whom 120 are scientific staff. The\r\nother employees are assistant biologists, laboratory technicians, IT employees,\r\nadministrative staff, ship’s crew, student assistants etc. The institute is\r\norganized into eight scientific sections, which carry out the research,\r\neducational and advisory activities. In addition, the institute has a number of\r\nscientific and administrative support functions, including the research vessel\r\nDANA. DTU Aqua has employees in Lyngby, Silkeborg, Nykøbing Mors and Hirtshals\r\nas well as on Dana. You can read more about DTU Aqua on www.aqua.dtu.dk

Source : Aquaculture Magazine