A PhD position in environmental engineering, specifically in bioelectrochemistry, is available at the Department of Building and Environmental Engineering – Resource Recovery Group | NMBU at the Faculty of Science and Technology.
The PhD position is for a period of 3 years, with a desired start date of 15th of August 2026.
The PhD project is part of project PROWAQ. The project is funded by Research Council and aims to develop a lab-scale bioelectrochemical system for simultaneous aquaculture wastewater treatment and single cell protein (SCP) production.
Aquaculture is a key contributor to global food security and economic growth, particularly in Norway as the world’s second-largest seafood exporter. However, the industry faces sustainability and supply chain challenges due to its dependence on imported soy-based feed. This PhD project aims to develop sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable methods to produce single-cell protein (SCP) - a high-quality, protein-rich feed ingredient derived from microorganisms - using aquaculture wastewater. The project contributes to a circular, regenerative aquaculture system by coupling wastewater valorization with microbial protein production, aligning with Norway’s sustainability and food security goals.
The candidate will work on developing and optimizing a bioelectrochemical system that converts CO₂ into acetate, which then serves as a substrate for microbial SCP production. Key research tasks include:
This PhD project will be conducted in close collaboration with the research group Environmental Process Engineering at University of Bremen (Germany), where a parallel PhD project will focus on developing the anodic compartment and system interface. The two PhD candidates will work closely together to ensure the successful integration of both compartments into a functional and scalable bioelectrochemical reactor system. Regular meetings, data exchange, and extended research stays at each partner institution are expected to facilitate joint development, experimental coordination, and system optimization across the two sites.
Salary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017, 550 800 NOK. For exceptionally well qualified candidates a higher salary may be considered.
By applying, the candidate confirms that information and documentation submitted via the job application may also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process to the PhD program. Admission to a PhD program is a prerequisite for appointment to the PhD position.
For professional and social interactions, the candidate is expected to be physically present at NMBU on a daily basis.
Employment is to be made in accordance with Regulations to the Universities and University Colleges Act and Regulations for the PhD degree at the Norwegian University of Life Science (NMBU) , and in accordance with the Civil Servant Act, the Security Act, and the Export Control Act.
For further information, please contact Pelin Kocatürk Schumacher, Associate Professor or John Morken, Professor
E-mail:
pelin.kocaturk.schumacher@nmbu.no and john.morken@nmbu.no).Information for PhD applicants and general Information to applicants
Send application electronically via the link "Apply for this job" at the top of this page. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Your CV must be entered in Jobbnorge's CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is in order to be able to comply with the regulations to the Public Administration Act §15.
Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged. Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.
The following documents must be attached to the application:
The Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) develops research-based knowledge and educates civil engineers and lecturers needed to reach the UN's sustainability goals. We have approximately 150 employees, 70 PhD students and soon 1500 students. The education and research at REALTEK cover a broad spectrum of disciplines.
This includes data science, mechanics and process engineering, robotics, construction and architecture, industrial economics, environmental physics and renewable energy, geomatics, water and environmental engineering, applied mathematics as well as secondary school teacher education in natural sciences and use of natural resources such as in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture. The workplace is in Ås, 30 km from Oslo.
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