PhD Position in Environmental Engineering: Bioelectrochemical Systems for Sustainable Aquaculture Wastewater Treatment and Single Cell Protein Production Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Norway

This PhD position at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to sustainable aquaculture and environmental engineering. The project, part of the PROWAQ initiative funded by the Research Council, focuses on developing a lab-scale bioelectrochemical system for simultaneous aquaculture wastewater treatment and single cell protein (SCP) production. Aquaculture is vital for global food security and economic growth, especially in Norway, but faces sustainability challenges due to reliance on imported soy-based feed. This research aims to create scalable, cost-effective methods for producing SCP—a high-quality, protein-rich feed ingredient from microorganisms—using aquaculture wastewater, thus supporting circular and regenerative aquaculture systems.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Building and Environmental Engineering – Resource Recovery Group at the Faculty of Science and Technology. The project involves optimizing bioelectrochemical systems that convert CO₂ into acetate, which serves as a substrate for microbial SCP production. Key tasks include optimizing biocathode materials, microbial consortia, and reactor conditions for efficient acetate generation; designing and testing reactor configurations for scalability; and demonstrating SCP production from acetate using selected feed-grade microorganisms. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with the Environmental Process Engineering group at the University of Bremen (Germany), with regular meetings, data exchange, and extended research stays to ensure successful integration of both reactor compartments.

Main responsibilities include performing bioelectrochemical experiments, optimizing cultivation conditions for microbial strains, data acquisition and statistical analysis, preparing scientific manuscripts for publication, and supporting the research group with laboratory tasks. The candidate will be expected to be physically present at NMBU for daily professional and social interactions.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in engineering, biotechnology, microbiology, environmental sciences, or a related field with above-average results. Foreign degrees must meet NMBU’s PhD admission criteria. Candidates submitting their MSc thesis by 30 June 2026 may be considered. Both the average grade point and the Master’s thesis must be B or better in the Norwegian system. Practical lab experience in microbiology, chemistry, or environmental engineering is required. Proficiency in written and oral English is mandatory. Experience with microbial electrochemical technologies, data analysis, programming/scripting (e.g., Python, R), and simulation (e.g., COMSOL) is advantageous. Personal suitability, motivation, and ability to complete the project within the timeframe are important. Willingness to travel to project partners and international conferences is expected.

The position offers a salary as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017, at 550,800 NOK per year, with the possibility of a higher salary for exceptionally qualified candidates. The appointment is subject to admission to the PhD program and compliance with relevant regulations. The workplace is in Ås, 30 km from Oslo, within a vibrant academic environment at the Faculty of Science and Technology, which covers a broad spectrum of disciplines including environmental engineering, data science, robotics, and renewable energy.

To apply, candidates must submit their application electronically via the provided link, register an account, and complete the online form. Required documents include a motivation letter, CV, certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates, diploma supplements (if applicable), documentation of English proficiency, and any additional relevant documentation. Interviews will be arranged for shortlisted candidates, who must present original diplomas and certificates.

For further information, contact Associate Professor Pelin Kocatürk Schumacher or Professor John Morken via email. More details about NMBU and the Faculty of Science and Technology can be found on the university’s website.