The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) is Norway's leading research institute for the aquatic environment, working across a wide range of environmental, climate and resource issues. Our high-quality research is characterised by its relevance, and its holistic and interdisciplinary approach, combining research with monitoring, assessment, problem solving and consulting. The NIVA group has approximately 500 employees and is headquartered in Oslo, with branches in Bergen, Grimstad, Hamar and Copenhagen, together with a marine research station in Drøbak, and subsidiaries in Tromsø, Chile and China.
Are you a leading scientist in freshwater restoration science or freshwater ecology? Are you interested in working on solutions to restore freshwater biodiversity and the natural functioning of freshwaters? Do you want to work in a country that has nature and water at its heart? If so, NIVA has an exciting opportunity for you. We are looking for a Senior Researcher with at least five to ten years of experience in academia, industry or government to expand NIVAs profile in freshwater research.
NIVA's vision is "Research for a sustainable future" and we aim to deliver impactful research, contributing to the knowledge base for Europe’s Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We carry out research and innovation on topics such as freshwater biodiversity, climate impacts, freshwater restoration, nature-based solutions and landscape ecology. We are active in developing new methods for monitoring freshwaters and riparian zones, including the use of drones, eDNA, satellite remote sensing and citizen science. Research focuses nationally, from southern Norway to Arctic systems on Svalbard, across Europe on several European projects, and internationally in Asia and South America.
The Senior Researcher will be part of the Section on Nature-based solutions and Aquatic Ecology and reports to the head of the section. For research purposes, this section works together with a second section in Freshwater Ecology. These two sections work interdisciplinary with many other sections in NIVA, including teams working on catchment biogeochemistry, urban environments, environmental law and governance, social science, data science, environmental contaminants, marine biology and oceanography, to better understand environmental challenges and to provide sustainable solutions.
Main assignments
You will contribute to the development and implementation of NIVAs research strategy, as well as further develop the section's core research interests in freshwater ecology and nature-based solutions. You should have a track record of success in acquiring research funding, with involvement in international research programs and/or actively working with national authorities and industry. You will be expected to develop your own professional research interests and networks in relevant projects as well as acquire large research and innovation projects to support early career staff in the section and across NIVA.
Qualifications and experience
We are looking for a strong Senior Researcher with recognized expertise in freshwater ecosystems. Research experience in topics such as freshwater ecology, freshwater biodiversity, ecological modelling, remote sensing, restoration, management and nature-based solutions, landscape ecology, climate change impacts and adaptation, or new monitoring methods are desirable.
At least 5-10 years of postdoctoral experience in applied research and innovation
Experience in applying for, and leading, research projects nationally and/or internationally within the section's primary subject and market areas
Demonstrate a national and international network of collaborators and good knowledge of research and innovation agendas in river ecology, river restoration and catchment management
Relevant knowledge about research funding, particularly the Norwegian Research Council, Nordforsk, the EU, or similar funding agencies
Demonstrate an excellent publication record
Experience in disseminating research to a wide variety of audiences and representing an oranization to external customers and policy makers
Very good written and oral English skills are a prerequisite; knowledge of Norwegian or another related Scandinavian language would be desirable
Personal characteristics
We are looking for someone that is driven by solving environmental challenges in collaboration with social actors and employees with different expertise. You are team-oriented and communicate well, both internally (section/s) and externally (clients and partners). You are motivated by leading and supporting early career staff and work systematically with the working environment. A positive attitude is essential, and you should have a desire and the ability to work on complex tasks in teams.
Inclusion and diversityNIVA’s work environment is distinguished by respect and equality. We treat each other equally and do not discriminate based on gender, age, functional ability, religion, ethnic and cultural background, or any other defining aspect of an individual. We wish to attract diversity as different perspectives promote innovation and encourage all qualified candidates to apply for positions at NIVA regardless of age, gender, functional ability, nationality, or ethnical background.
NIVA offer
Exciting and stimulating tasks in a leading national water research institute with great societal significance
An opportunity for professional and personal development in an organization where responsibility and initiative are highly valued
To be part of a network of national and international researchers
A multicultural, social, and creative work environment
Flexible working hours, good pension, welfare and insurance schemes, and competitive salary
