The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA; www.niva.no) has have a long tradition of scientific investigations using microalgae, and has privileged access to over 2000 algal strains at the Norwegian Culture Collection of Algae (NORCCA; www.niva-cca.no). In order to increase the potential for applying algae to meet the needs of the blue economy and industrial green transition, NIVA is establishing a pilot-scale algae R&D facility.

Norwegian Institute for Water Research

The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) is Norway’s leading institute for basic and applied research on marine and freshwaters. The institute’s research comprises a wide array of environmental, climatic and resource-related fields. NIVA’s world-class expertise is multidisciplinary with a broad scientific scope. We combine research, monitoring, evaluation, problem-solving and advisory services at international, national and local levels.

The NIVA group has approximately 340 employees. NIVA´s head office is in Oslo with regional offices in Bergen, Grimstad, Hamar, Copenhagen and China, a research station at Drøbak (Oslofjord), as well as subsidiaries in Tromsø and Chile.

We are now looking for a Senior engineer or Researcher to operate the new R&D facility, and to actively participate in the related research. The position is located in NIVA’s main office in Oslo, but presence at NIVA Research Facility Solbergstrand, where the facility will be located, will be required on average 50 % of the time. The position will report to the Research Manager of NIVA’s Microalgae Section.

Main tasks

• Conduct and complete the assigned research duties
• Manage and maintain the Algae R&D Facility
• Prepare and deliver research results and reports
• Contribute to publishing scientific papers and popular science articles
• Liaison with research partners, clients and staff
• Travel to other NIVA offices and partner institutes and participation in field work
• Assist in other relevant research activities and projects at NIVA

Qualifications and experience

We are looking for candidates with PhD or MSc with 1-2 years relevant work experience in phytoplankton biology, microalgae cultivation, algae engineering or equivalent within the biological sciences.

Applicants will be expected to show the following abilities:

• Have hands-on, practical experience of algae cultivation, advantageously large-scale
• Have undertaken research experiments in phytoplankton biology and nutrient dynamics
• Writing research articles and reports
• Experience of at least contributing to funding applications
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• A full driver’s license is required

In addition, preference also will be given to applicants who have analytical chemistry (HPLC/GC) experience.

Personal abilities

We are looking for enthusiastic, independent, goal-oriented candidates who possess the ability to inspire, convey ideas, and communicate well with colleagues. A positive attitude, dedication and perseverance are important abilities, as is the ability to work with complex and challenging tasks.

NIVA offers

• Challenging and inspiring tasks at Norway’s leading water research institute with a broad project portfolio and a comprehensive international contact network
• Excellent development opportunities
• Well-equipped research infrastructure
• Stimulating, international work environment with highly skilled and dedicated employees
• Head office centrally located at the Oslo Science Park near the University of Oslo
• Competitive salaries, pension plans and insurance benefits

Webcruiter ID: 4134812451

Apply for position

Contacts:

• Michael Li (Research Manager), +47 982 94 062
  
• Thorjørn Larssen (Research Director), +47 415 03 043