PhD Fellow on the Marine Biodegradation of Polymers used for Aquaculture and Fisheries

Arbeidsplassen; Tromsø; On-site; NOK 537,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Norway is seeking a PhD Fellow to research the marine biodegradation of polymers used in aquaculture and fisheries. This four-year position involves significant research training and collaboration with industry partners. Candidates will work on understanding degradation processes and developing models under environmental conditions. The role offers a supportive academic environment with opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Flexible hours

Pension scheme

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemistry or physics required.
• Experience in mechanical or tribological testing of polymers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on marine biodegradation of polymers.
• Collaborate with industry partners on biodegradable plastics.

Skills

Fluency in English

Mechanical testing

Tribological testing

Education

Master's degree in chemistry or physics

Tools

SEM

FT-IR

NMR

SEC

Pyrolysis-GC-MS

Job description

PhD Fellow on the Marine Biodegradation of Polymers used for Aquaculture and Fisheries

The PhD position focuses on the marine biodegradation of polymers used in aquaculture and fisheries. It is a four-year appointment, with the first three years dedicated to research training for a doctoral degree, and the remaining year allocated to teaching and other duties.

The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø, with expected time spent at SINTEF Industry in Oslo and SINTEF Ocean in Trondheim, including some work abroad for biodegradation studies. Applicants must be able to start promptly after receiving an offer.

Research Field

The position is within the Norwegian College of Fishery Science (NCFS), part of an interdisciplinary environment engaged in high-quality research and teaching. The candidate will collaborate within the SFI Dsolve center for research-based innovation, focusing on biodegradable plastics for marine applications, working with industry partners and utilizing advanced polymer characterization facilities.

The Project

The project aims to understand degradation processes (photodegradation, microbial, temperature effects) of polymers such as PBS, PBAT, PBSAT, PBSA, Bio-PES used in biodegradable fishing gear. The research will develop models of degradation mechanisms under environmental conditions, assess impacts on mechanical properties, and characterize polymer structures. The candidate will work across disciplines, focusing on challenges in aquaculture or fisheries.

Contact Information

Professor Roger Larsen: [phone], [e-mail]
Dr. Christian Karl: [phone], [e-mail]

Qualifications

Required: Master's degree in chemistry or physics (with polymer chemistry/physics focus), fluency in English, experience in mechanical or tribological testing of polymers.

Desired: Knowledge in polymer characterization techniques (SEM, FT-IR, NMR, SEC, Pyrolysis-GC-MS), experience with sea degradation studies, microplastics, and Scandinavian language skills are highly valued.

Admission to PhD Program

Applicants must meet the university's admission requirements, including relevant degrees and grades. Provisional admission is granted upon employment, with final admission required within two months.

Diversity and Inclusion

UiT promotes equality, gender balance, and diversity. Applicants with disabilities, gaps, or immigrant backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be supported accordingly.

Offer Details

• Participation in a significant research project with career development opportunities
• Good academic environment, flexible hours, pension scheme, salary approx. 536,200 NOK/year with annual increases

Application Requirements

• Motivation letter, CV, diplomas, transcripts, English and Scandinavian language proficiency documentation, reference letters, thesis, publication list

All documents must be in English or Scandinavian and submitted via Jobbnorge by the deadline.

Assessment and Other Info

Applicants will be evaluated by an expert committee, with top candidates interviewed. The position adheres to Norwegian regulations, with pension contributions and data protection considerations.

About UiT

UiT is a multi-campus university in the High North, emphasizing credibility, academic freedom, and interdisciplinary research, particularly in Arctic and marine sciences.