NINA is an independent research institute organized as a foundation (www.nina.no). We are the largest research institute within applied ecology in Norway with more than 350 employees. The head office, the NINA building, is located in Trondheim, adjacent to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology at Gløshaugen. We also have offices in Oslo, Bergen, Lillehammer and Tromsø. NINA is part of the FRAM Center in Tromsø, the CIENS Research Center for Environment and Society in Oslo and the Center for Tourism Research in Lillehammer.

NINA’s motto is: Cooperation and expertise for a sustainable future

Do you want to work with vegetation ecology in one of Europe’s leading research environments?

We are looking for a skilled and passionate ecologist with expertise in vegetation ecology, ecosystem restoration, and coastal terrestrial ecosystems. If that sounds like you, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) offers an exciting opportunity to apply your skills and drive meaningful ecological research!

NINA is expanding its expertise in vegetation ecology and restoration and is seeking a skilled and dedicated researcher to strengthen its team. NINA’s Bergen office has extensive expertise in vegetation ecology, nature-based solutions, and ecological condition. Our research focuses on the impacts of climate change, environmental pressures, and land use changes on vegetation and ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on ecosystem restoration in coastal areas of Western Norway. Additionally, the team also has strong expertise in pollinator ecology, quantitative ecology, small predators, and seabird ecology.

We collaborate with a diverse range of clients and partners, engaging in international, national, regional, and local research projects.

Key Responsibilities 

As a researcher at NINA Bergen, you will: 

• Develop and lead national and international research projects. 

• Write and secure grant applications. 

• Conduct and report on research and commissioned projects.

 • Publish scientific findings and communicate research to various stakeholders. 

• Participate in and/or coordinate fieldwork as part of research activities.

 • Collect, process, and analyse ecological data using statistical methods. 

• Contribute to applied environmental monitoring, particularly in coastal areas of Western Norway. 

• Support vegetation restoration projects with scientific expertise. 

• Develop methodologies and synthesize knowledge in vegetation ecology and ecosystem restoration.

Qualification requirements:

 • PhD in vegetation ecology, community ecology or botany. 

• Skilled in statistics, preferably R.

 • Good knowledge of temperate nature and species, preferably in coastal areas (coastal heathlands, wetlands, fjord landscapes to mountains). 

• Extensive collaboration skills, ability to take initiative, and strong expertise in academic and strategic project development. 

• Experience with project management. 

• Documented ability to develop and secure funding for new projects. 

• Strong national and/or international network of collaborators.

It is an advantage to have: 

• Knowledge of Open Science, GitHub.

• Familiarity with climate and nature management systems and authorities in Norway. • Knowledge and/or experience with: 

o The Norwegian vegetation mapping system (NiN).

 o Ecological condition frameworks and/or ecosystem accounting. 

o Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The position will involve close collaboration with, and reporting to, Norwegian administrative bodies. It is therefore desirable that applicants are proficient in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language both orally and in writing or are willing to learn it within two years.

Personal qualities: 

You are independent, proactive, and build trust in relationships with others. You enjoy communicating knowledge and results and do so effectively both orally and in writing. You are prepared for a challenging and varied workday and are flexible with the various tasks involved in commissioned research and beyond.

NINA offers: 

• permanent employment in one of Europe's leading environmental institutes 

• salary according to qualifications

 • flexi-time arrangement 

• good pension scheme and group life insurance 

• a pleasant working environment in modern premises of a high standard

The application must include a CV with information about education, relevant work experience and possibly a list of publications. Also ad up to three references.

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

NINA actively works to build a positive, diverse, and inclusive working environment. We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, disability, cultural background, or if you have been out of the workforce for a period. The workplace will be adapted for persons with disabilities.

Questions regarding the announcement and the position can be directed to research director Geir Systad, phone: +47 924 40 029 (geir.systad@nina.no) and/or researcher Mari Jokerud, phone +47 970 83 099 (mari.jokerud@nina.no).

Application deadline: April 25, 2025

Apply here