LEDIG STILLING VED Norsk institutt for naturforskning (NINA)
Researchers / Senior Researchers in Arctic Ecology and Environmental Social Science
Deadline: 08.12.2025
Publisert
The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) is an independent foundation conducting research on nature and the interaction between nature and society. Established in 1988, NINA currently employs over 350 staff from more than 30 nations. The main office, the NINA House, is located in Trondheim next to NTNU at Gløshaugen, with branch offices in Tromsø, Lillehammer, Bergen, and Oslo.NINA also operates the Sæterfjellet captive breeding station for Arctic fox in Oppdal and a gene bank and research station for wild Atlantic salmon in Ims, Rogaland.
We have a wide range of expertise and experience in both natural science and social science research, including how various driving forces affect nature and the interactions between humans and nature. NINA researchers collaborate extensively with other research communities nationally and internationally and work closely with environmental managers and other key stakeholders. For more information about NINA, see www.nina.no.
NINA Tromsø is recruiting Researchers/Senior Researchers in Arctic Ecology and Environmental Social Science
The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) is aiming to further strengthen our dynamic Arctic research group through recruitment of several researchers/senior researchers within Arctic ecology and environmental social sciences
The positions are within NINA’s Department for Arctic and Coastal Ecology and located in Tromsø (at the Fram Centre for High North Research). Given the rapid ongoing changes in the Arctic, there is an urgent need for new knowledge to understand impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss for northern ecosystems and societies and to support improved management and solutions for addressing these interconnected risks. To meet these challenges, we aim to add up to 4 researchers/senior researchers to our interdisciplinary team. The call is open to researchers working on a broad range of topics related to Arctic ecology and environmental social science with relevance for NINA’s research profile and strategic vision.
The successful candidates will join an interdisciplinary and highly international group of researchers and will be expected to build an independent research portfolio related to Arctic systems. Each position offers exciting opportunities for collaboration with local (at NINA and Fram Centre), national and international research networks, and close dialogue and cooperation with environmental management authorities, decision makers and other non-academic actors.
The positions:
We aim to fill four positions within the topics listed below. We welcome applicants that are specialists within one or more of these disciplines as well as applicants with a track record of cross-disciplinary studies between them.
Priority research areas include:
Environmental social science/interdisciplinary researcho With focus on links between nature and society, preferably with a focus on northern areas or research topics with high relevance for Arctic systems.
Arctic freshwater ecology
Arctic coastal and/or marine ecology
Arctic vegetation ecologyo For positions within ecology, we envision a focus on topics including (but not limited to) e.g.: impacts of climate change and/or other human activities on ecosystem structure and function, ecology of key species (e.g. salmonids, seabirds), statistical ecology and/or ecological modelling, trophic ecology, climate-biodiversity linkages, ecosystem-based management.
As a researcher at NINA, you will play a key role in project development, acquisition of competitive funding, proposal writing, as well as project implementation and dissemination of project results. Scientific publication and development of national and international research projects and dialogue with managers and decision makers are also important parts of these positions. Depending on the research area, participation in field work and laboratory activities can also be expected.
These exciting positions are well-suited for researchers interested in building up a project portfolio and new collaborations related to gaining a better understanding of links between climate, ecosystems and society in a rapidly changing Arctic. At NINA, you will have a unique opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research in a dynamic and interdisciplinary work environment.
Anticipated start date: Spring 2026
Qualifications:
The selected candidate must have:
A PhD in a relevant field (e.g. ecology, environmental science, social science (with demonstrated experience in environmental and interdisciplinary research).
Strong, national and/or international network, relative to their career stage, documented through joint publications and/or research activities.
An ability to work well in a team, strong communication and time-management skills.
Strong written and spoken English and motivation to learn Norwegian
Experience attracting external research funding from national and/or international sources, relative to career stage (particularly important for senior research scientist positions)
Additional relevant experience that is desirable (but not required) includes:
Strong written and spoken communication in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language
Expertise related to Arctic/polar ecosystems and/or Arctic environmental social sciences
Experience leading research projects, and coordinating interdisciplinary research teams
Experience cooperating with environmental managers and involving diverse stakeholders/knowledge-holders in research
Documented knowledge of advanced statistical modelling, e.g. causal modelling, Bayesian methods, and/or use of remote sensing tools to acquire information regarding the environment
Valid driver’s license.
Selected qualified candidates will be called in for an interview. At a later stage in the process, candidates may be asked for contact information for three referees who can speak in support of the qualifications of the candidate.
NINA offers:
varied and interesting work at a leading research institute for applied ecology
salary based on qualifications
flexible working time scheme
good pension scheme and group life insurance
good opportunities for professional development
a pleasant working environment in modern premises of high standard
The application must contain:
A application letter (maximum two pages) including motivation for applying for a position at NINA and a brief description of: 1) professional experience and interests that are relevant to the scope of the position; and 2) main ambitions and plans for building up a research portfolio at NINA Tromsø, including major research themes, potential funding sources, and how this portfolio will complement existing expertise and activities at NINA.
A curriculum vitae including information on education, professional experience, publications, presentations, and research grants. The successful candidate will be asked to submit certified copies of university transcripts and diplomas.
These positions are based at NINA’s Tromsø office, which has a strong Arctic research focus, including a broad range of research related to impacts of global warming on northern ecosystems and societies, and a diverse group of researchers working with terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecology, social science, and environmental management. The Fram Centre is an international hub that brings together researchers from 21 different research institutes, including UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, with a focus on interdisciplinary polar environmental research, giving unique opportunities for networking and collaboration. Tromsø is a dynamic and international Arctic city and is surrounded by spectacular nature and a broad range of opportunities for outdoor activities.
NINA works actively to build a positive, diverse and inclusive work environment. We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of e.g. gender, functional ability, cultural background or if you have been out of work for a period of time, etc. If necessary, the workplace will be adapted for people with disabilities. NINA's everyday language is Norwegian, and language training is provided.
Questions about the position can be directed to: Research Director Kjetil Sagerup, phone: +47 480 69 976 and/or Research Director Amanda Poste, phone: +47 982 15 479.
