PhD Position in Università di Padova under the SwitchFloc Grant Agreement – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
The SwitchFloc Grant Agreement is a project funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, aimed at training the next generation of professionals in innovative and sustainable aquaculture systems based on Biofloc Technology (BFT). The project provides a highly international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral research environment, fostering close collaboration between academic institutions and industry partners.
We are currently inviting applications for a PhD position entitled:
“Quality Assessment of Fish and Seafood Products Obtained from BFT”
This PhD project aims to assess and characterize the quality attributes of fish, shellfish, and plant-based products produced using BFT, IMTA-BFT, and FlocPonics systems, and to compare them with products obtained from conventional aquaculture systems (ponds, longlines, and RAS).
The research will evaluate the nutritional, rheological, and sensory characteristics of selected species, identifying how innovative biofloc-based production influences food composition, texture, and consumer-relevant traits. Target fish and mollusc species reared under IMTA-BFT conditions will be studied during an initial research stay at Universidade do Porto, while shrimp produced through BFT systems will be analysed during a second stay at Universitat Politècnica de València.
In addition, the project will identify the main production variables affecting food quality, including water quality, stocking density, temperature, and salinity. The shelf life of BFT-derived products will also be assessed using different food processing and preservation technologies, with the objective of maintaining freshness and maximizing meat quality for the longest possible period after harvesting. Advanced analyses and additional support will be provided during a third research stay at NEWFOOD.
The selected candidate will enroll in the Doctoral Programme of the Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment at the Università di Padova, under the supervision of Prof. Angela Trocino.
If you are motivated to join an innovative research team and develop your PhD within an international excellence framework, we encourage you to apply by submitting the required documentation to the contact email indicated in the official call.
👉 Click on the PDF to learn more about the call and application process.
