Scientist “Cultivation of Micoalgae of Different Types of Phytoplankton for Aquacultures”

Scientist “Cultivation of Micoalgae of Different Types of Phytoplankton for Aquacultures”

GEOMAR - Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research

Kiel, Germany

Project Description

Due to the growing world population, there is an increasing demand for alternative and sustainable feed sources for aquaculture, which are not only rich in proteins but also in micronutrients such as essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins. Conventional feed and feed additives with these ingredients, such as fishmeal, are generally obtained in an unsustainable manner and contribute to overfishing of the world's oceans. Phototrophic microalgae at the base of the marine food chain synthesize essential omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, which are subsequently enriched by being eaten by higher organisms. The aim of the project is to utilize these properties and to identify and cultivate different microalgae species that complement each other in their fatty acid, vitamin and protein profiles and, in the long term, to develop a fully-fledged and sustainable basic product for various feed-relevant applications.

Position

The candidate is going to be part of the joint project “PhytoComplement” of the partnering institutions GEOMAR, the University of Oldenburg and HanseGarnelen GmbH. This project is funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) through the Federal State Office for Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Development (LLnL) Schleswig-Holstein. The partners aim to identify and cultivate a number of complementary types of microalgae and to test them as feed additives for White Tiger Shrimps.

Tasks include:

• Shared project coordination including supervision of technical assistant and student assistants;
• Isolation and cultivation of microalgae using bioreactors and aquaria;
• Coordination of chemical analyses of algae components (in-house and through third parties);
• Processing trials of microalgae;
• Planning and conduction of feeding experiments in cooperation with the project partners and the technical assistant;
• Data analyses and thorough data management;
• Coordination of technology transfer into application;
• Market analysis on microalgae-based feed for aquaculture and agriculture applications;
• Communication of results between project partners.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Master degree in Biological Oceanography, Biology, Environmental Studies or related fields of study;
• Experience in the cultivation of algae;
• Experience in data analysis and data management;
• Excellent organizational and communicative skills;
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and to coordinate tasks.

Preferred:

• Experience in experimental ecology and in conducting aquatic feeding experiments;
• Scientific background in biochemistry and metabolic pathways;
• Experience in market analyses;
• Interest and knowledge in technology transfer.

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