About the position 

The Department of biological sciences (IBA), NTNU seeks a highly qualified, ambitious and motivated candidate to aid research on biomass estimation and behavioral monitoring of fish in sea-based aquaculture. The aim is to utilize data from multiple data sources to estimate biometric parameters and to conduct fish behavior profiling. We are looking for a candidate with strong analytical and data handling skills, in combination with good knowledge about fish and aquaculture, especially the rearing of Atlantic salmon. The project will use data from hydro-acoustic sensors, video recordings of fish in and around net pens and environmental variables connected to various aquaculture sites.

To date, the salmon aquaculture industry lacks systems for accurate biomass estimation of salmon in commercial production cages. We also have no system in place to observe and understand farmed salmon distribution and behavior in large scale sea-based production. Accurate knowledge of fish biomass and behavior will aid production decisions and utilization of resources, thereby improving fish welfare and environmental and economical sustainability of salmon production. This position will be part of an effort to develop and implement into commercial production proper analysis of salmon biomass and group behavior of farmed fish.

The position is located at the Department of Biological Sciences Ålesund (IBA), NTNU, and the appointment has a duration of two years. The position is part of the innovation project “Biometric profiling of aquaculture enclosures utilizing hydro-acoustic sensors”, and the candidate will work in close collaboration with the project owner, Furuno Norge AS. The workplace is at NTNU in Ålesund, and it will be possible to spend time Furuno’s offices to aid proper and continuous collaboration. This position is also connected to the InnoSea research group at IBA and our research activities within salmon welfare and behavior.     

The Department of Biological Sciences Ålesund (IBA) is closely linked to the regional industry, both in the health and the marine sector. The department focuses on interdisciplinary research and research-based innovation related to sustainable salmon farming, the marine environment, marine ingredients, and medical and laboratory technology. IBA holds a full-scale farming license for salmonids located at several farming sites in Møre og Romsdal. Further information is available at the department’s homepage: http://www.ntnu.edu/iba.

The postdoctoral fellowship position is a temporary position with a goal to qualify for work in senior academic positions.

The position reports to Head of department.

Duties of the position

This position is central to couple biological competence on fish anatomy and behavior to the technical and data management needed to interpret and use acoustic sensor data from fish in aquaculture. The successful candidate will therefore work in a team with experts in these areas at the interface between NTNU and Furuno Norge AS. The position will also connect the aforementioned innovation project with ongoing activities at the InnoSea research group.

The successful candidate will:

• plan and conduct field and laboratory work necessary to evolve biomass estimation based on acoustic sensor data. This may include experimental design using fish in commercial production cages and possibly in other experimental cages and setups in the sea
• plan and conduct field experiments using multi-beam sonar technology to observe, analyze and describe fish behavior in commercial production cages
• develop biological models necessary for improved behavioral models and biomass estimation
• work in close collaboration with Furuno Norge AS
• take a prominent role in the InnoSea research group, combining the aforementioned work with other ongoing activities on fish behavior and welfare, and other topics that may be aided by acoustic measurements, including wild fish aggregations and aquaculture net deformation.
• disseminate scientific findings according to the project description of the aforementioned innovation project and an associated consortium agreement. Publishing will be done with focus on the use of methods that will be developed in an aquaculture setting.

Required selection criteria

The successful candidate must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree in a research area relevant to this position, which may include marine biology, aquaculture, biological statistics or other topics in statistics, data science or similar, if applied in relevant biological settings. Alternatively, the successful candidate must hold a corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree.

The successful candidate also has experience from sea-based production of finfish. Experience with field work and the administration and analysis of large datasets will be highly advantageous for this position.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant  

Preferred selection criteria

• knowledge and interest in applied research
• keen interest in aquaculture and strong ability to work problem-oriented
• good analytical skills
• documented experience within field work, aquaculture, animal behavior, statistics and/or advanced data handling will be an advantage
• good written and oral Norwegian or English language skills
• Applicants who do not master a Scandinavian language should provide evidence of good written and oral English language skills. The following tests can be used as documentation: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Minimum scores are:
  • TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test)
  • IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted)
  • CAE/CPE: grade B or A.

Personal characteristics

• self-motivated, enthusiastic and creative
• strong collaborative skills
• ability to work independent and goal-oriented
• interest in multidisciplinary, complex problem solving in interdisciplinary teams
• ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork at sea

In the evaluation, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, as well as motivation, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement

We offer 

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment 
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues 
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 
• employee benefits 

Salary and conditions

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK 545 300 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. 

The period of employment is two years.  

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work. 

The position is subject to external funding. 

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis. 

About the application 

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English or a scandinavian language. 

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.  

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result. 

The application must include (Departments to choose from the following): 

• CV, certificates and diplomas 
• transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's-, master's- and PhD degrees.  
• Name and address of three referees 

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well. 

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation. 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA. 

General information 

Working at NTNU 

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background.  

The city of Ålesund, with its population of 50 000, will provide you with plenty of opportunities to explore a region of Norway that is famous for its beautiful scenery with high mountains and blue fjords. Ålesund itself, with its Art Nouveau architecture, is by many considered to be the most beautiful city in Norway! The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. 

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted. 

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants. 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate professor Lars Gansel, phone number +47 70 16 15 12 / Mobile: +47 46 45 62 81, e-mail: lars.gansel@ntnu.no.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).  

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number NV-21/326 when applying.  

Application deadline: 31.10.21 

NTNU

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences is a key player in national and international research and education programmes in natural sciences and technology. Our research focuses on global challenges in the areas of energy, climate, the environment, food, water, health and welfare. The Faculty consists of eight departments as well as the Faculty Administration.

Deadline 31st October 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Ålesund
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service NTNU i Ålesund