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Stillingstittel:
PhD in modelling and estimation of fish in aquaculture

Stillingsbeskrivelse:

Jobbnorge ID: 169632

This is NTNU

At NTNU, creating knowledge for a better world is the vision that unites our 7 000 employees and 40 000 students.

We are looking for dedicated employees to join us.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIgKd1SwGLI

About the position

Aquaculture production of salmon and trout in Norway is a world leading industry in food production but is facing key challenges related to e.g. environmental effects, fish welfare and HSE during production. Aquaculture Cybernetics is the application of cybernetic methods such as instrumentation, modelling, estimation and control theory in commercial aquaculture, with the aim of improving human control in fish production to better cope with such challenges. NTNU ITK has a long track record in research within this area and has recently developed the concept Precision Fish Farming (PFF) together with SINTEF Ocean AS.

The position reports to Associate Professor Martin Føre, who will be the main supervisor.

Main duties and responsibilities

This PhD project will focus on developing the work on instrumentation and modelling of the biology in aquaculture systems in a new direction by combining mathematical models with real time data from sensors and instruments. This may include:

• Methods for validating and further developing mathematical models using data from actual fish farms
• Developing new model modules for simulating e. g. fish stress
• Methods for estimating fish states (behaviour, physiology, stress) in sea-cages by combining models and real-time sensor systems in estimator structures (e.g. Kalman filters).

Real time monitoring and modelling of the biological systems and processes in fish farms are core elements in aquaculture cybernetics. Fish can be monitored during production using technologies ranging from telemetry where the fish are equipped with sensors providing individual-based data to cameras based and hydroacoustic devices (e.g. echo sounders, sonars) providing data on a group/population level. Relevant mathematical models for assessing the dynamics in such systems include models of behaviour, energetics and growth, on both individual and group levels. NTNU ITK currently has research activities in these fields, with two ongoing PhDs within telemetry, an active collaboration with SINTEF Ocean in modelling, and master's students in both areas.

The candidate will get access to existing mathematical models of fish in sea-cages through the simulation platform FhSim that is hosted by SINTEF Ocean (more info: https://www.sintef.no/programvare/fhsim/), and real datasets on fish states collected in sea-cages using different instruments. In addition, the candidate will be included in future telemetry activities planned by NTNU ITK at both conventional farming locations and new fish farming concepts such as SalMar's Ocean Farm 1.

Collaboration with ongoing and future PhDs within instrumentation or fish modelling in aquaculture will also be stimulated.

Qualification requirements

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is completion of a master's degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in Engineering Cybernetics or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU's grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates for education leading to a PhD degree.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

Additional qualifications for the position include:

• Programming experience (e.g. matlab, C/C++, Java)
• Experience in mathematical modelling and/or data processing
• Basic knowledge within estimation techniques
• Good written and oral English language skills.

Although not mandatory, knowledge within marine biology (especially related to fish) and/or practices and technology within the aquaculture industry will weigh positively in the candidate evaluation process.

In addition to the formal requirements, the candidate must also provide a motivational cover letter explaining her/his personal motivation for applying for the position.

Personal characteristics

We are looking for a candidate that is motivated to do research within aquaculture technology, and a genuine interest in the application of technology in commercial fish farms will be considered positive. As the activity within PFF at NTNU ITK is increasing, the research group focused at topics related to PFF is currently expanding. The candidate should therefore also have good social skills and be motivated to collaborate with others, especially other PhDs.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement.

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 449 400 before tax per year. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 or 4 years (with or without required duties?). Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme in in Engineering Cybernetics (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phtk).

As a PhD candidate, you undertake to participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. A condition of appointment is that you are in fact qualified for admission to the PhD programme within three months.

Appointment takes place on the terms that apply to State employees at any time, and after the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criterias in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. Under the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

Questions about the position can be directed to Martin Føre, phone number +47 99232845, e-mail martin.fore (at) ntnu.no .

About the application:

The application must include a cover letter where the applicant states their motivation for applying to this position. It is considered positive if the cover letter also includes a sketch of how the candidate will first approach the research challenges in the project.

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify the individual applicant's contribution to joint works, the applicant must include a brief abstractJV_description of his or her contribution.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number 2019/12538 when applying.

Application deadline: 20.05.2019.

Se annonsen og søk på stillingen www.jobbnorge.no

PAM

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jobCategoriesCodes_0: http://data.europa.eu/esco/isco/C2310

abstractJV_contact_0: See jobabstractJV_description

contractTypeCodes_0: fulltime

Arbeidsgiver Navn: NTNU - Fakultet for ingeniørvitenskap

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