PhD in Aquaculture Nutrition and Fish Physiology (ATHENA Project) INRAE/UPPA Nutrition Métabolisme Aquaculture (NuMeA) in France

PhD opportunity in Aquaculture Nutrition & Fish Physiology (ATHENA Project) 2026

A fully funded PhD position is open under the ATHENA Project, Attenuation of Thermal Stress through Adapted Nutritional Strategies, at UMR1419 INRAE/UPPA Nutrition Métabolisme Aquaculture (NuMeA), France.

The research focuses on climate-resilient aquaculture and the effects of rising water temperatures on rainbow trout. The project will investigate how adapted nutritional strategies can improve thermal resilience and fish performance through a combination of in vitro cellular approaches, experimental aquaculture trials, and physiological, metabolic, and molecular analyses.

Relevant study areas include aquaculture nutrition, fish physiology, thermal stress, animal welfare, metabolic adaptation, molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. Applicants with backgrounds in Aquaculture, Animal Nutrition, Physiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Experience in experimentation, cell culture, or fish physiology is an advantage but not required.

The position is fully funded for three years and includes a gross monthly salary of approximately €2,300. The project offers advanced training in aquaculture nutrition, fish physiology, climate adaptation research, experimental biology, and scientific communication, with collaboration across aquaculture stakeholders.

The role is based in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, French Basque Country, France, with a start date in October 2026. The application deadline is 26 June 2026.

To apply, candidates should send a CV and cover letter to [email protected] and [email protected].