Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Circular Aquaculture
An open call for a research-policy fellowship hosted by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), contributing to evidence-based policy frameworks for sustainable aquaculture across the ASEAN region.
Purpose and Research Focus
The AquASEAN Post-Doctoral Fellowship positions an early-career researcher at the intersection of applied aquaculture science, sustainability analysis, and regional policy development. The Fellow will contribute to SEARCA’s mandate on knowledge generation and policy facilitation within the AquASEAN framework.
The fellowship focuses on analyzing the adoption, economic viability, and socio-environmental impacts of circular aquaculture practices across ASEAN, including integrated rice fish systems, mangrove shrimp polyculture, and bioconversion-based value chains. The Fellow will use data from AquASEAN pilot sites to produce policy-relevant research outputs.
A key objective is to translate research findings into actionable policy guidance through synthesis reports, policy briefs, and stakeholder dialogues. The Fellow will work within SEARCA’s Research, Training and Leadership Development Division and collaborate with AquASEAN partners across the region. The position targets researchers with expertise in aquaculture systems, environmental economics, rural livelihoods, or related fields, with demonstrated experience in applied policy research.
Title
Post-Doctoral Fellow Circular Aquaculture Policy
Duration
24 months
Host Institution
Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)
AquASEAN Project Components
The project is organised around three inter-linked thematic components, each addressing a distinct dimension of sustainable aquaculture transformation in the ASEAN context.
Climate-Responsible Aquaculture
Climate-Responsible Aquaculture implements pilot projects and field trials that promote circular approaches to aquaculture systems tailored to local contexts and species such as shrimp, mangroves, milkfish, and seaweed.
Capacity Building
Capacity Building seeks to strengthen institutional, individual, and community capacities in climate-responsible aquaculture, with targeted support for students, women and youth to foster inclusive participation and leaderships
Support for Public Policies
Generates and disseminates actionable policy guidance through technical synthesis reports, policy briefs, and guidance notes. The component facilitates regional dialogue forums and knowledge exchange events to ensure research findings inform governance frameworks at national and ASEAN-wide levels.
Scope of Work and Responsibilities
The Post-Doctoral Fellow will support Component 3 of the AquASEAN Project Support for Public Policies under the supervision of SEARCA’s Research, Training and Leadership Development Division and in coordination with regional consortium partners.
Context Analysis of Major ASEAN Aquaculture Production Systems
Assess major aquaculture production systems across ASEAN through technical, socio-economic, and value chain analysis. The work also examines climate change impacts, regional vulnerabilities, and adaptation strategies to support sustainable sector development.
Socio-Economic Assessment of Climate-Responsible Aquaculture
Evaluate the economic viability of climate-responsible aquaculture practices, including profitability assessments, carbon benefits, and the role of circular approaches. The assessment also explores social perceptions and factors influencing the adoption of sustainable aquaculture innovations.
Policy Support for Circular Aquaculture
Develop policy recommendations, guidance notes, and technical inputs that support climate-responsible aquaculture across ASEAN. Activities include facilitating policy dialogue, contributing to regional guidelines, and supporting the development of an ASEAN roadmap for sustainable aquaculture.
Expected Outputs
The following outputs are expected from the Fellow over the duration of the appointment and constitute the principal performance benchmarks for the position.
Four (4) Synthesis Research Reports
Comprehensive reports addressing the characterisation of aquaculture systems, climate change impacts, economic viability of circular practices, and socio-cultural adoption factors, produced in accordance with the project's knowledge dissemination standards.
One (1) Peer-Reviewed Journal Article
A manuscript submitted to and accepted or published in an internationally indexed, peer-reviewed scholarly journal, addressing a substantive research question within the project's thematic scope.
One (1) Policy Brief
A concise, evidence-based document communicating key findings and recommendations to national or regional policymakers, prepared in alignment with SEARCA's institutional publication standards.
One (1) Policy Guidance Note
A technically detailed guidance document providing operational recommendations for the design or revision of aquaculture-related policies, suitable for use by government agencies and intergovernmental bodies.
Presentation at Regional Knowledge Exchange Event
Participation in and formal presentation of research findings at a minimum of one AquASEAN-convened or affiliated regional knowledge exchange event, conference, or policy forum during the fellowship period.
Fellowship Entitlements
The following entitlements are provided to the Fellow for the duration of the appointment, in accordance with SEARCA's institutional fellowship policies and the AquASEAN project funding framework.
Monthly Stipend
A competitive monthly stipend commensurate with post-doctoral research rates in the Philippines, covering living and accommodation expenses in Los Banos.
Research Fund
A dedicated research and operational budget allocated to support fieldwork, data collection, and scholarly dissemination activities, including publication fees where applicable.
Visa & Relocation Support
Facilitation and cost coverage for applicable visa arrangements, economy-class return airfare from country of origin to the Philippines, and a one-time relocation allowance.
Health Insurance
Comprehensive health and accident insurance coverage for the Fellow throughout the duration of the fellowship appointment, as per SEARCA institutional provisions.
Office & Administrative Support
Dedicated office space, computing resources, library access, and administrative and logistical support provided by SEARCA's institutional infrastructure.
Conference & Travel Allowance
Coverage for travel and participation costs related to a minimum of one regional knowledge exchange event or international conference during the fellowship period.