Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), Philippines
Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), Philippines, invites applications for a Doctor of Fisheries Technology (DFishTech) Research Fellow position in Fish Epidemiology. The position is part of the AQUAROM project, funded by the Research Council of Norway, focusing on resilient aquaculture outbreak management across tropical waters. The candidate will conduct laboratory and field-based research on aquatic animal diseases, molecular diagnostics, and epidemiological analysis.
| Work Package | WP2 (Fish Epidemiology) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Stipend | PHP 20,000 - 40,000 per month |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled |
| Expected Start Date | As soon as possible |
The DFishTech candidate will conduct comprehensive research spanning laboratory work, fieldwork, and data analysis in aquatic animal health. This includes bacterial culture, isolation, and biochemical testing; molecular diagnostics such as PCR, DNA extraction, and sequencing workflows; preparation of bacterial isolates for AMR testing and strain repository maintenance; and pathogenicity assays including LD50 calculation and clinical scoring.
Field responsibilities include monthly sampling in hatcheries, nurseries, and grow-out farms; farm-level surveys, environmental sampling, and disease monitoring; and ensuring proper collection, labeling, transport, and chain-of-custody of samples. The candidate will also maintain accurate laboratory records and sample databases, analyze sequencing results, generate phylogenetic trees, interpret molecular data, and assist in epidemiological mapping and transmission pathway analysis.
Academic deliverables include presenting research progress during project review meetings, preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, completing a dissertation aligned with project objectives, and coordinating with LGUs, BFAR, and partner institutions.
Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Fisheries Technology, Fisheries Science, Aquaculture, Microbiology, Veterinary Medicine (Microbiology), Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or a related field. Documented research experience in at least one of the following is required: aquatic animal health or fish diseases; microbial isolation, culture, and biochemical identification; molecular diagnostics (PCR, electrophoresis, sequencing); or fish health field sampling.
Required Technical Skills: Microbiological assays; bacterial isolation and biochemical characterization; DNA extraction and PCR amplification; gel electrophoresis; and basic bioinformatics (BLAST, MEGA, phylogenetics). Preferred skills (trainable): Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), AMR gene detection, and pathogenicity/challenge trials.
Other Competencies: Excellent scientific writing and documentation skills; good communication and teamwork abilities; capability to conduct farm sampling and field surveys; knowledge of biosafety, animal handling, and ethical research standards; and strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
The position includes a monthly stipend of PHP 20,000-40,000 based on qualifications, full DFishTech program support at ISUFST with international co-supervision, research equipment and laboratory resources, conference attendance funding (3 annual project workshops plus international conferences), opportunities for research collaboration with NORCE Norway and international partners, and access to an international collaboration network across Norway, Philippines, and Indonesia.
Applications must include: cover letter (max 2 pages), CV with complete publication list, academic transcripts (Bachelor's and Master's degree), publications (PDFs), research experience documentation, three letters of reference (one must be from Master's thesis supervisor), and research proposal (2-3 pages). Please combine all documents into a single PDF file named: AQUAROM_PhD_WP2_[LastName]_[FirstName].pdf
or send application to: dengom@isufst.edu.ph and roycvillanueva78@yahoo.com
Email subject: PhD AQUAROM WP2 - [Your Full Name]
Dr. Dennis Kaw Gomez, Ph.D. (Primary Supervisor)
Professor VI, College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST)
dengom@isufst.edu.ph
Ph.D. in Aquatic Pathobiology, Hiroshima University (MEXT Scholar). M.S. in Fisheries (Aquaculture), University of the Philippines. 27+ years experience in fish and crustacean diseases, molecular diagnostics, and fisheries biotechnology. Published extensively in Aquaculture, Archives of Virology, and Journal of Fish Diseases.
Dr. Roy Corpuz Villanueva (Co-Supervisor)
Faculty & Commercial Pond Manager
Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST)
roycvillanueva78@yahoo.com
Doctor of Fisheries Technology, ISCF (2021). M.S. in Fisheries, Pangasinan State University (2013). 20+ years experience in aquaculture and fisheries research. Expertise in aquaculture innovation, sustainable fisheries, and aquatic resource management.