Job Description
The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded by federal and state governments. AWI focuses on polar and marine research in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry, and geophysics, thus allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals.
PhD position in Shrimp Aquaculture - SwitchFloc Project (f/d/m)
Background
Aquaculture provides more than half of the world's seafood protein, but it faces major challenges such as high water demand, eutrophication, biosecurity risks, and dependence on fishmeal and fish oil. Biofloc technology (BFT) is an innovative aquaculture system that recycles carbon and nitrogen waste into valuable microbial biomass, which can be used directly on-site as a feed source. This reduces the reliance on commercial aquafeeds and supports the enhancement of animal immune systems.
The SwitchFloc project addresses current BFT challenges through an interdisciplinary and intersectoral research and training programme, including international secondments and network-wide training events. SwitchFloc will focus on species that are already well adapted to BFT as well as on species newly introduced to this system. In addition, it will advance aquafeed formulation and manufacturing, and improve animal health by promoting beneficial microorganisms within the biofloc.
As a doctoral candidate in the SwitchFloc project, you will join the Aquaculture Research Group within the Sustainable Marine Bioeconomy Section. You will be expected to:
- Analyse aquaculture diets (shrimp and other species), identify nutritional requirements, and select innovative ingredients. Based on formulated diets, bioactive components and additives will be tested to enhance protein digestibility and intestinal health.
- Test innovative pellet manufacturing methods, focusing on reducing energy consumption and minimizing by-product generation. Develop and optimize fabrication protocols to improve pellet durability and stability, both during storage and in water.
- Optimize feeding regimes for shrimp and fish under BioFloc conditions.
- Evaluate integrated systems, including IMTA-BioFloc and FLOCponic approaches, assessing their effects on growth performance and water quality.
These research activities will be carried out within the doctoral studies and in close collaboration with the international network of the SwitchFloc project.
- Master's Degree in Aquatic Sciences and Technology, Marine Science, Aquaculture, Biotechnology or similar
- Strong analytical skills
- Laboratory experience including biological assays
- Excellent scientific writing skills in English (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C2)
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
Experience in aquaculture research in recirculation systems, preferably with experience in BioFloc management, shrimp/fish husbandry and diet formulation.
- our scientific success - excellent research
- collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
- opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions
- an international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world
- flexible working hours
- health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
- support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
- occupational pension provision (VBL)