The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) invites applications for a PhD Scholarship in Stress Biology, focusing on how fishing-related stress impacts the spawning success and reproductive biology of Atlantic cod. The selected candidate will join an international research collaboration between Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands under the CODSPA project.
Important Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | PhD Scholarship in Stress Biology: Understanding How Fishing Stress Affects Spawning Success in Cod |
| Organization/Publisher | Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) |
| Work Location | Ås, Norway (with fieldwork in Iceland and Faroe Islands) |
| Research Field | Stress Biology, Fish Welfare, Reproductive Physiology |
| Funding Info | Funded PhD position under CODSPA Project |
| Application Deadline | November 11, 2025 |
| Posted Date | October 2025 |
| Country | Norway |
| Researcher Profile | PhD Candidate |
| Apply Button | Apply via Jobbnorge.no |
| Required Qualification | Master’s in Biology, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Ecology, Biochemistry, or Veterinary Medicine |
| Required Experience | Experience with wild fish, molecular biology, sampling, or bioinformatics |
| Salary Details | NOK 550,800 – 595,000 per year (Code 1017 PhD Fellow) |
| Supervisor | Associate Professor Marco A. Vindas (marco.vindas@nmbu.no) |
| Starting Date | 2026 (flexible) |
About NMBU
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is Norway’s leading institution for life sciences research and education. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, where this position is based, is the country’s only veterinary faculty, offering top-tier education and research in veterinary science, biomedicine, and animal welfare.
NMBU’s vision is to secure the future of life through world-class research, education, and innovation, addressing key challenges in sustainability, animal welfare, and environmental science.
About the Project – CODSPA
The PhD project is part of CODSPA, a collaborative international initiative investigating how stress from commercial fishing affects spawning success and offspring survival in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).
The project aims to quantify and understand physiological, behavioral, and reproductive responses of cod to fishing stress during spawning seasons in Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
The successful candidate will work closely with researchers from Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands to contribute to the sustainable management of wild cod fisheries and improve fish welfare under commercial fishing practices.
Key Objectives
The PhD research will focus on:
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Evaluating gamete quality, fertilization rates, and embryonic development in cod exposed to fishing stress.
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Analyzing behavioral and physiological stress responses under different capture conditions.
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Studying parental investment and offspring survival under stress conditions.
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Applying advanced molecular and biochemical techniques to investigate stress markers.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
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Conduct experimental and field-based research on cod reproduction and stress biology.
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Participate in sampling and laboratory analyses in Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
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Analyze biological data using bioinformatics/statistical tools (R, Python, etc.).
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Publish results in international scientific journals.
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Present findings at conferences and contribute to CODSPA’s collaborative research goals.
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Complete a doctoral training program and obtain a PhD degree within the scholarship period.
Required Qualifications
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Master’s degree in Biology, Physiology, Ecology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or Veterinary Medicine.
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Demonstrated academic excellence and research aptitude.
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Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
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Relevant experience working with wild fish or aquatic research.
Preferred Qualifications
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Hands-on experience with cod behavior, sampling, and laboratory work.
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Knowledge of molecular biology techniques (RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry).
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Proficiency in data analysis using R or Python.
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Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and adapt to field conditions.
Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate should:
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Be scientifically curious and self-motivated.
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Work independently with good organizational skills.
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Be flexible and enjoy traveling for fieldwork.
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Show strong collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills.
Remuneration and Employment Terms
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Position code: 1017 PhD Fellow.
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Salary range: NOK 550,800 – 595,000 per year (before tax).
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3-year contract with a possible 1-year extension based on performance.
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Employment according to Norwegian government PhD regulations.
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Access to welfare benefits and an excellent international research environment.
Required documents:
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Motivation letter (max 1 page)
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Updated CV
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Certified copies of academic diplomas and transcripts (Bachelor’s & Master’s)
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Proof of English proficiency
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Names and contact details of two referees
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Optional: list of scientific works or publications
Contact Information
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
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Associate Professor Marco A. Vindas
📧 Email: marco.vindas@nmbu.no
☎️ Phone: +47 92864946
Description
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