Post doc on manipulation and optimization of Black Soldier Fly performance

at  Aarhus Universitet

Are you interested in contributing to the green transition in a project entitled ‘Hermetia illucens for a Green agriculture’? Then this post doc position might be something for you. The position is available at the Department of Biology, Aarhus University.

RESEARCH AREA AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The position is integrated in the Department of Biology, Aarhus University, and is part of an international collaborative project including academic and industrial European partners and funded by GUDP. The aim of the overall project is to contribute to the development of environmentally friendly agriculture by advancing the use of insect (Black Soldier Fly) production. The post doc position entails exploring the scope for manipulation of production relevant Black Soldier Fly larvae performance traits through 1) genetic, 2) environmental, and 3) microbiome manipulation. Genetic aspects could cover estimation of heritability, trade-offs among traits, artificial selection or evaluation of genetic differences among strains. Environmental manipulation could cover aspects of diet or temperature effects. Microbiome manipulation could cover identification of beneficial microbial assemblages and their seeding in the substrate for production on low quality substrates.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIFIC COMPETENCES

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate holding a PhD in relevant biological sub-disciplines such as evolutionary biology, eco-physiology, microbiology (or equivalent) or having submitted a PhD thesis for assessment before the application deadline. A strong interest in experimental as well as analytical work and the ability to communicate scientific work is required. Experience with insect (eco)physiology, insect farming, and a strong background in genetics, microbiology and/or evolutionary biology is highly valuable.

CONTACT

Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:
Jesper Givskov Sørensen, phone: +45 3018 3160, e-mail: jesper.soerensen@bio.au.dk, for further information about the position.

The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary team on a project on the Black Soldier Fly, contributing to green transition by addressing production efficiency of the growing insect breeding industry. The main work focus will be on investigating genetic and phenotypic diversity to establish the opportunities and limits to manipulating quantity and quality of producing this species, but will also focus on microbiology. Interaction with the industry will provide access to application of the results. You will play a key role in designing and executing experimental research on Black Soldier Flies and their associated microbiology, and disseminate the results through scientific papers.
The work will be done under the supervision of Prof. Jesper Givskov Sørensen (AU), supported by a grant from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark, under their Green Development and Demonstration program (GUDP). The project is funded through the EU Horizon Europe framework ‘Green Era-Hub’. Co-PI of the project is Prof. Andreas Schramm (Department of Biology, AU: microbiology).