PhD scholarship in analysis of marine eDNA - DTU Aqua

Job description

A PhD Scholarship to study biodiversity at offshore floating wind farms using eDNA to monitor spatial and temporal biodiversity variation, and to contribute to the development of eDNA into a robust cost-efficient tool for marine environmental impact assessment. Floating wind farms are offshore turbines mounted on floating structures rather than fixed foundations, allowing installation in deep waters (>60 meters) where stronger, more consistent winds exist. They unlock vast, deeper maritime areas, however their effect on marine biodiversity is relatively unknown. The project will apply advanced autonomous robotic instruments for in situ eDNA sampling and be aimed at revealing the potential biodiversity succession following the installation of a floating wind turbine in the North Sea. The scholarship is part of the “OWESOME” (Offshore Wind Environmental Survey Optimisation for Monitoring Impacts on Ecosystems) project, financed by and in collaboration with Total Energies from the wind energy sector. OWESOME tests an integrated biodiversity monitoring solution combining several technologies to create a comprehensive picture of biodiversity impacts, which besides eDNA also include pass...