PhD candidate in Fish Ecophysiology

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The theme of the PhD position is the physiological, behavioural, and evolutionary responses of fishes to temperature. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim Norway is seeking a new graduate student (PhD studentship) to research thermal biology in fish. The position starts in 2021.

Common responses of fishes to climate warming include migration, acclimatization, and adaptation. This project will investigate both the acclimatisation and adaptation potential of fishes to changes in water temperature. The PhD project aims to fill major knowledge gaps in the field of thermal biology. The main questions that will be addressed are:

What are the physiological mechanisms underlying thermal performance and tolerance limits? What is the adaptation potential of these mechanisms?

What are the connections between the physiological and behavioural responses of fishes to temperature?

Which physiological and behavioural traits are important for shaping ecological fitness in a warming world?

To answer these questions the PhD student will use various physiological and behavioural measurements. The techniques will likely include in-vivo animal experiments, multi-generational experiments, thermal exposures, exercise respirometry, automated behavioural analysis, and more. The work will mainly be done at the well-equipped fish labs at NTNU, but research abroad is also likely (e.g., Sweden, Australia). Zebrafish will be the main species used but other species may also be used.

The Jutfelt Ecophysiology Lab investigates many different aspects of thermal biology in freshwater and marine fishes. The main supervisor will be Professor Fredrik Jutfelt, the co-supervisors will be decided later.

You will report to the Head of Department.