New PhD Opportunity at UiT within the SwitchFloc Doctoral Network
A new PhD position in biofloc microbiome research has been officially opened at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway under the framework of the SwitchFloc Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA DN).
The position is hosted by the Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics (BFE) and attached to the Microalgae & Microbiomes Research Group (M2RG) at the Norwegian College of Fishery Science (NCFS). The successful candidate will join an international research and training environment focused on the development of innovative and sustainable aquaculture systems based on Biofloc Technology (BFT).
Biofloc technology relies on dense and beneficial microbial communities capable of recycling waste, stabilizing water quality, reducing inputs, and improving animal welfare in aquaculture systems. Within this context, the UiT PhD project will investigate the molecular ecology of biofloc microbiomes, with the objective of understanding how these microbial communities function and respond under different aquaculture and biofloc maintenance conditions.
The research will involve the application of advanced metagenomics and metatranscriptomics approaches, including DNA and RNA sequencing techniques to identify microbial communities, characterize their functional potential, and determine which genes and metabolic pathways are actively expressed. The project may also integrate metabolomics and lipidomics analyses to better connect microbial activity with water quality, animal welfare, and overall system performance.
The doctoral candidate will develop and apply advanced bioinformatics pipelines for shotgun metagenomics, genome-resolved analyses, and multi-kingdom microbial profiling, contributing to the characterization of beneficial microorganisms associated with optimal biofloc performance. Expected outcomes include the development of a network-wide Biofloc Characterization database and the identification of key microbial communities relevant for sustainable aquaculture management.
The position is part of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks, which provide doctoral candidates with excellent research conditions, international mobility opportunities, specialized training courses, intersectoral secondments, and joint supervision across universities, research institutes, and industry partners throughout Europe.
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in microbiology, genetics, bioinformatics, biotechnology, computational biology, or related disciplines, and demonstrate a strong interest in advanced bioinformatics and microbiome research. Experience in programming (Python/R), Linux environments, metagenomics, molecular biology, or microbial ecology will be considered an advantage.
UiT offers a highly international and interdisciplinary working environment, flexible working conditions, strong career development opportunities, and a competitive salary package under Norwegian public employment regulations.
📅 Application deadline: 28 May 2026
📍 Location: Tromsø, Norway
📧 Contact:
hans.c.bernstein@uit.no
🔗 Apply here:
https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/301285/phd-fellow-in-biofloc-microbiomes
