PhD Project: Valorising seafood side streams, residues, unwanted catches and discards for production of bioactive protein hydrolysates and high added value biomolecules

Valorising seafood side streams, residues, unwanted catches and discards for production of bioactive protein hydrolysates and high added value biomolecules

The VASEACAD project aims to create value from marine fish biomass side streams, increase the efficiency and circularity of aquaculture and fisheries, and valorise discards and processing by-products from bluefin tuna (BFT), European seabass, gilthead seabream (in the Mediterranean Sea), European sprat (from the Black Sea) and blue whiting (Atlantic Ocean). Using bioprocessing tools, bioactive protein hydrolysates, fish protein and fish oil will be produced for i) human anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, skin and muscle health products as well as ii) ingredients for aqua feeds in a way that will be compatible with the safety provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 that lays down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption.

VASEACAD consortium is funded under EU-SBEP-2 call and has 10 EU wide partners including an Irish marine biotechnology company.

Student requirements for this project Applicants should have a H1 or 2H1 BSc degree in an appropriate discipline (Food Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related disciplines). Although not a strict requirement, candidates with an MSc qualification and/or previous laboratory experience would have an advantage. The successful candidate should be highly motivated and enthusiastic about developing technical skills across a range of disciplines. Applicants whose first language is not English must show evidence of English proficiency. For details, see English language requirements | TU Dublin. www.tudublin.ie/study/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements/

Funding Agency: Marine Institute via Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP-2) Student Stipend per annum: € 25000 Materials & Travel Budget per annum: € 15000 Fees covered by the funding per annum: € 6000 Duration of Funding: 36 months

Deadline to submit an application: 30/06/2025

If you are interested in submitting an application for this project, please complete an Expression of Interest. forms.office.com/e/0hCcrv2Gkp