Department of Fisheries and Watershed Management, KNUST, Kumasi

Background:

Aquaculture continues to be an important sector in the Ghanaian economic development agenda. However, recent production estimates show that only half of the 2018 production target was achieved and growth in the industry has largely come from the culture of tilapia on the Volta Lake. In spite of this growth, development of the sector is hampered by poor water quality and lack of alternative aquaculture species. Of particular interest is to improve productivity of Nile tilapia and develop protocols for reproduction, larval nutrition and rearing of the African bony tongue.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark provides grants for development research activities as part of Denmark’s international development cooperation. As part of this programme, the Department of Fisheries and Watershed Management has received funding for the project “Increasing the Productivity of Ghanaian Aquaculture”. The Department is therefore seeking applications from suitable qualified applicants for two PhD positions.

Requirements:

We are seeking highly motivated applicants to join our team of local and international researchers to achieve project objectives. Applicants must have an MSc/MPhil in Aquaculture, Animal Science, Fish Physiology, Fish Biology or related disciplines. Additional skills in the operation of aquaculture or aquaria systems, water quality, physiological and nutritional equipment would be advantageous.

Job description:

Successful candidates will be responsible for conducting various laboratory and field experiments that contribute to the general project goal. Specifically, to initiate, plan and develop methodologies for achieving their PhD objectives.

Theme 1: Impact of water quality on the physiology and production of tilapia

Theme 2: Development of first feeding and weaning diets for the African bony tongue

Application procedure:

The application package must include:

• A cover letter and CV of the applicant
• A research proposal based on any of the thematic areas (max 5 pages).
• Full-text of a peer-reviewed article published in an academic journal (if any).
• Two letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic supervisor)

Note:

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and successful applicants must be ready to purchase and submit a completed KNUST postgraduate admission application

Employment terms:

This position is open to Ghanaian citizens only. Deadline for applications is 31st January, 2019. The duration of this paid position is 3.5 years. Candidate’s progression on the project will be based on his/ her performance after a rigorous assessment at the end of every year by the postgraduate committee.

How to apply:

Interested applicants should submit a full application document as a single PDF file to: head.fisheries@knust.edu.gh.