PhD Scholarship

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. 

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

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. 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. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 November 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 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.

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 Denmark’s only ocean- and arctic-going research vessel. The Institute has about 400 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including about 45 PhD students. About 40 nationalities are represented at the institute, and we support an equal gender distribution. We are located in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and have regular activities in Greenland. Learn more on aqua.dtu.dk

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.