PhD scholarship in Modelling the Pace of Life of Marine Fish - DTU Aqua

A fundamental trade-off in nature exists between the ability to grow quickly and the capacity to withstand predation. We are seeking a PhD candidate to develop ecological theory around the pace-of-life of marine fish.
We offer a 3-year PhD fellowship in Modelling the Pace of Life of Marine Fish. You will be employed at DTU Aqua (The National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark) at the section for Ecosystem Based Marine Management in Lyngby.

A fundamental trade-off in nature exists between the ability to grow quickly and the capacity to withstand predation. This trade-off drives part of the remarkable diversity seen in marine fish species, leading to variations in their sensitivity to fishing pressures and climate change. We are seeking a PhD candidate to develop ecological theory around the pace-of-life of marine fish and simulate fast and slow life history strategies within fish populations and fish community food webs. This research aims to examine how these strategies shape fish communities in different environmental contexts as well as to understand the ecological implications of differing growth strategies among (groups of) species.

Responsibilites and qualifications
You will join the Ecosystem Based Marine Management section for a 3-year PhD fellowship. The project will be part of a larger research project with the aim of understanding how climate-induced changes in fish growth strategies affect future trends in fish community biomass and potential catch productivity. Applicants with various backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

You will become part of a vibrant, cross-disciplinary, and international research environment at DTU Aqua in Lyngby. We currently have a group of about 20 early-career scientists (PhD and Postdocs) working on various aspects of marine life, fisheries and climate change using diverse approaches (observational, experimental, theoretical).

The section for Ecosystem Based Marine Management conducts research in the direct and indirect effects of fishing activities on the marine environment. The aim is to develop knowledge and tools for use in a knowledge based ecological and economical sustainable management of fisheries.

We are looking for ecologists/ biologists with documented skills in ecological modeling or mathematicians/engineers with a keen interest in marine ecology.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

You are expected to start in the summer/autumn of 2025. Candidates that complete their MSc before then can apply but cannot begin before having received it.

Further information
For further information about the position please contact senior Researcher Daniel van Denderen ([email protected]) or Professor Ken Andersen ([email protected]).

You can read more about the National Institute of Aquatic Resources and the section for Ecosystem-based Marine Management at: https://www.aqua.dtu.dk/english

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 27 March 2025 (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 now", 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

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, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

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.

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