PhD in Small-scale coastal fishing methods

We invite applications for a PhD position focused on small-scale coastal fishing methods. The successful candidate will contribute to research supporting the development of low impact sustainable small-scale fisheries. You will join the Section for Fisheries Technology at DTU Aqua in Hirtshals. The section has 25 employees and focuses on research and development of fishing gears and methods that can support economic and environmental sustainability in the fishing sector. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in a cross-disciplinary research team in an international environment where we strive for academic excellence and impact. Setnets and hook-based methods are among the most widely used small-scale coastal fishing methods. They are simple, relatively inexpensive, and highly versatile across target species, habitats, and fishing vessels. Within the European Union, the small-scale coastal fleet comprises 77% of all active fishing vessels while accounting for 16.6% of the total landed value. This PhD scholarship will specifically address catch efficiency, selectivity and capture patterns for these fishing methods through experimental work at sea and laboratory experiments. Further it will investigate the feasibility of multi-gear use in the small-scale coastal fishing fleet to strengthen economic viability over seasons. A significant part of the research and development activities is to be carried out in collaboration with the fishing and fishing gear industries. Plan and conduct gear trials on small-scale fishing vessels. Collect, analyse and interpret results from scientific gear trials. Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.

Qualifications and requirements

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in Marine Science or Engineering.
• A strong interest and experience in fishing gears and methods.
• Prior knowledge and experience with small scale coastal fishery.
• Experience in collecting scientific data on small-scale fishing vessels.
• Ability to work independently on small fishing vessels.
• Experience in analyzing scientific data preferably including data from fisheries.
• Experience with publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals is an advantage.
• Fluent in a Scandinavian language is required due to extensive industry collaboration.
• Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken).
• 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.

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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

Starting date is February1st 2027 (or according to mutual agreement).

The position is a full-time position. The period of employment is 3 years. You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

• Further information may be obtained from Head of Section for Fisheries Technology, Jordan Feekings, +45 24895821; email: jpfe@aqua.dtu.dk
• You can read more about the section here.
• 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.

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.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

About DTU Aqua

DTU Aqua – National Institute of Aquatic Resources – works for well-functioning oceans, rivers, and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. Our r