Postdoc in Environmental and dietary causes of nephrocalcinosis in salmonid aquaculture - DTU Aqua

Do you want to grow your academic career in the field of aquaculture physiology in salmonids and are interested in identifying causes and effects of nephrocalcinosis in the aquaculture production of salmonid fishes, then this postdoctoral position could well be for you. The position is part of a 3-year project funded by the Danish Research Council. You will be working in a dynamic research environment at DTU’s Hirtshals Campus. The position offers unique opportunities to do forefront research in a highly relevant topic in aquaculture in collaboration with international and Danish partners.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are seeking a talented and highly motivated researcher to contribute to increasing our understanding of how environmental and dietary factors contribute to the occurrence of nephrocalcinosis in salmonid fish. The successful candidate will conduct research on how dissolved gases, chemical water quality, and dietary mineral content affect urinary chemistry to determine the risk of mineral precipitation in the kidney. Longer term trials will be conducted to verify the occurrence and severity of nephrocalcinosis through performance assessment and mineral speciation (infrared and emission spectroscopy), pathological (histology), and functional (gene expression profiling) kidney damage.

The position involves both theoretical and experimental work, with responsibilities spanning conducting experiments, project execution, and academic dissemination, and you are expected to:

• Position the scientific work within the context of current literature
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
• Present project results at international conferences

We are looking for candidates with:

• A background in fish physiology or aquaculture production biology
• Knowledge about metabolism, gas exchange, acid-base regulation, and kidney function in fish
• A demonstrated ability to perform research on fish, individually or in groups, and a technical flair for experimental work
• Experience working in an analytical laboratory (e.g. performing enzyme assays, chromatography, water quality analyses)
• An interest in learning new techniques
• Good analytical skills and communication abilities in English

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. 

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 terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is April 1^st or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is full-time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Professor Peter Vilhelm Skov, e-mail: pvsk@aqua.dtu.dk 

You can read more about Section for Aquaculture at https://www.aqua.dtu.dk/english/about/organization/scientific-sections/section-for-aquaculture

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 10 March 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 
• Contact details for professional references

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.

DTU Aqua - Section for Aquaculture
Section for Aquaculture at DTU Aqua conducts research with an aim to improve the performance and sustainability of the aquaculture sector. Our core research areas are farming technologies, recirculation systems, chemical water quality, biofiltration, aquaculture microbiology, waste treatment, and fish nutrition, welfare, and physiology. We have a strong national and international collaboration network of universities, research institutions, and industry. Located in Hirtshals, we are close to a major part of the Danish fish farming industry. We have a wide array of aquaculture systems and reactors for experimental works and well-equipped laboratories. 

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 360 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including about 50 PhD students. More than 35 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

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.