PhD scholarship on carbon dioxide in aquaculture DTU Aqua

Accumulation of carbon dioxide in recirculating aquaculture systems represents a bottleneck in production that can challenge the health welfare and growth of fish through physiological and biochemical disturbances and there is a need to optimise degassing technology and processes.

This PhD opportunity is part of a project funded by the Norwegian Research Council to strengthen teaching and competencies in water treatment technology and fish health in recirculating aquaculture systems. The main role of the PhD is to investigate how dissolved CO₂ in combination with other water quality parameters affects production performance of Atlantic salmon through a series of growth trials and physiological experiments as part of a preventive strategy for CO₂ related production disorders. Furthermore a secondary role is to participate in systematic analyses of the performance of degasser installations through experimental trials conducted under different operating conditions to improve our empirical understanding of degasser installations and to develop a teaching platform.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your focus will be to conduct experimental research participate in measurement campaigns at aquaculture production facilities and to participate in teaching. Conducting experimental research will require the ability to plan and execute trials collect biological samples and analyse in the laboratory by appropriate methods. A Ph.D. must complete 30 ECTS of coursework and an external research stay and contribute to teaching and supervision of masters students.

Your responsibilities are expected to include:

• Designing and conducting fish experiments in aquaculture facilities
• Collecting biological samples and observational data
• Participate in degassing trials
• Perform a variety of biological and water quality analyses
• Scientific dissemination of results
• Completing the required PhD school courses and conducting an external research stay
• Teaching and supervision of MSc students

Desired qualifications and skills:

• Curiosity and high motivation for research
• A relevant . degree for example in biology aquaculture or engineering.
• A desire to conduct experimental work with fish physiology and production biology
• An interest in dissolved gases in water and gas transfer technology
• Strong academic skills
• Strong written and oral communication in English
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.

You must have a relevant two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) such as in biology aquaculture or engineering or similar with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters 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 seeDTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Peter Vilhelm Skov (DTU Aqua) Associate Professor Anne-Camilla Diesen Hosfeld (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences) and Professor Head of Section Per Bovbjerg Pedersen (DTU Aqua).

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 starting date is 1st of May 2026 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Peter Vilhelm Skov e-mail: pvsk@

You can read more about Section for Aquaculture at you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation 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 than15 February 2026 (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 masters 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.

Section for Aquaculture
Section for Aquaculture at DTU Aqua conducts research with an aim to improve the performance and economical and environmental sustainability of the aquaculture sector. Our core research areas are sustainable farming technologies recirculation systems chemical water quality biofiltration aquaculture microbiology waste treatment and fish nutrition welfare and physiology. We have a strong national and international collaboration network of universities research institutions and industry. Being located in Hirtshals we are close to a major part of the Danish fish farming industry. We have a wide array of aquaculture systems and reactors for experimental works and well-equipped laboratories.

About DTU Aqua
DTU Aqua National Institute of Aquatic Resources works for well-functioning oceans rivers and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. Our research advisory service and education contribute to the development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy robust aquatic ecosystems and reduced effects of climate change. We have a large national and international network and cooperate with research partners public authorities industry and NGOs. We have state-of-the-art research facilities and Denmarks only ocean- and arctic-going research vessel. The Institute has 360 employees one-half being scientific staff including about 50 PhD students. More than 35 nationalities are represented at the Institute and we support equal gender distribution. We are located in Lyngby Hirtshals Nykøbing Mors and Silkeborg and have regular activities in Greenland. Learn more on

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 UNs 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 13500 students and 6000 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.