PhD position in Shrimp Aquaculture - SwitchFloc Project (f/d/m) Background Aquaculture provides more than half of the world's seafood protein, but it faces major challenges such as high water demand, eutrophication, biosecurity risks, and dependence on fishmeal and fish oil. This reduces the reliance on commercial aquafeeds and supports the enhancement of animal immune systems. The SwitchFloc project addresses current BFT challenges through an interdisciplinary and intersectoral research and training programme, including international secondments and network-wide training events. In addition, it will advance aquafeed formulation and manufacturing, and improve animal health by promoting beneficial microorganisms within the biofloc. Your Tasks As a doctoral candidate in the SwitchFloc project, you will join the Aquaculture Research Group within the Sustainable Marine Bioeconomy Section. These research activities will be carried out within the doctoral studies and in close collaboration with the international network of the SwitchFloc project. Your Profile Master's Degree in Aquatic Sciences and Technology, Marine Science, Aquaculture, Biotechnology or similar Strong analytical skills Laboratory experience including biological assays Excellent scientific writing skills in English (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C2) Preferred Qualifications and Skills Experience in aquaculture research in recirculation systems, preferably with experience in BioFloc management, shrimp/fish husbandry and diet formulation. Collaboration mainly with more than 5 people Communication: external in the following ways 1. Personal contact in presence: frequently (daily or several times a week) Please note that the general conditions listed serve as a guide and may vary depending on the specific area of application. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterized by our scientific success - excellent research collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world flexible working hours health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub support services and a culture of reconciling work and family occupational pension provision (VBL) AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI. Please submit your application by October 16th 2025, exclusively online. 25/99/D/Bio-b Apply hereBiologie Biotechnologie Doktorand, Doktorandin Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter, wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin Lehre & Forschung, Wissenschaft Forschungseinrichtung Teilzeit Vollzeit