Norwegian Institute for Nature Research

NINA is an independent research foundation and the largest institute in applied ecology in Norway with approximately 300 employees.

NINA’s scientific staff includes 25 social scientists. The NINA headquarter is located in Trondheim close to Gløshaugen, with research departments in Oslo, Lillehammer, Bergen and Tromsø. NINA is part of the FRAM Centre in Tromsø and CIENS Research Center for Environment and Society in Oslo, as well as Centre for Tourism Research in Lillehammer.

The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) and its department in Lillehammer is looking to employ until three new researchers trained in environmental social sciences. Two of the positions are linked to NINA's department in Lillehammer, while the third is linked to the department for terrestrial biodiversity in Trondheim. All social researchers in NINA are part of the professional group NINA society, regardless of which department you belong to.

At NINA Lillehammer, we will work for the good environmental solutions, and see this in connection with quality of life! We have a work environment that is characterized by generosity and support each other well! NINA Lillehammer is the department at NINA with most social scientists, and we aim at seeing local challenges in a global perspective, and global challenges in a local perspective! At NINA terrestrial biodiversity we are currently building social scientific competence on sustainability and transformative change.

NINA’s department in Lillehammer covers a broad range of topics using social sciences and interdisciplinary approaches, since we consider sustainability and conservation challenges as principally social issues. Key research themes are sustainability in natural resource management, public understanding of climate and environment mitigation and adaptation, environmental change, outdoor recreation and tourism, ecosystem services, human dimensions of wildlife, governance and policy across sectors and societal goals, dialogues and political decision-making processes, and conservation conflicts. In addition to theory-based research, our scientists also conduct impact assessments and short-term applied projects for private and public sector. We conduct research in Norway as well as internationally. Key clients include environmental management agencies, municipalities, the business community and the Norwegian Research Council. The department has extensive collaboration with national and international research institutions, and we aim at increasing our success in the EU- system such as Biodiversa, IPBES and other international research systems.

About the positions:

We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in social scientific and interdisciplinary research contributing to sustainable environmental management and conservation. Research tasks will include social science- and socio-ecological approaches to topics like sustainable natural resources management, biodiversity conservation, public health, well-being and quality of life, cultural heritage, co-existence in multiple use landscapes, ecosystem services, climate change adaptation, land use and planning, and renewable energy development. We are also seeking social scientists with expertise on the knowledge dimension of governance and policy, related to biodiversity, sustainability, and transformative change. The positions will be linked to the full range of projects from short term impact assessments and contract research to more long term, scientific research funded by the Norwegian Research Council and the EU H2020 programs. Implementation, reporting and dissemination/outreach of research form central parts of being a scientist in NINA, and we expect candidates to have a strong focus on international, peer-reviewed scientific publishing. The researchers are expected to take active parts in development of new projects nationally and internationally. Within these frames, researchers are given considerable freedom to develop projects according to their own background and interest.

Responsibilities:

• Design and carry out research related to a broad range of human-environment interactions

• Project management, including developing proposals, implementing, conducting and leading projects, dissemination and outreach to end-users

• Strategic project planning and development of new research topics

• Science communication and cooperation with management, clients, users and research partners

As a researcher, you must also expect to be the one who takes responsibility for pulling the load on research applications and publications.

In addition, one of the positions may be linked to a new EU project Bio-Agora. Bio-Agora is about how knowledge transfer can take place between research and various decision-makers related to the conservation of biological diversity. Experience with dialogue work, capacity development and decision-making processes will be an advantage.

We are looking for:

You are proactive and enjoy collaborating with other researchers in-house in an interdisciplinary work environment as well with researchers and clients in other institutions. You have strong interest and skills in project development, dissemination and communication. You have a good understanding of the role of applied social sciences and the need for cross-cutting approaches. Basic knowledge of the different public sectors’ information needs, mandates, roles and challenges is necessary.

Formal qualifications:

PhD or equivalent qualifications in geography, psychology, sociology, social anthropology, history, political science or a related multidisciplinary Ph.d. program. Applicants with education and/or experience from science and technology studies (STS) are particularly relevant for NINA terrestrial biodiversity. Well-developed quantitative and/or qualitative methodological expertise and experience of working in multidisciplinary teams is desirable. Some working experience after completed Ph.d., e.g. post-doc, is preferred. Excellent speaking, writing and presentation skills in English is required, good understanding of Norwegian/Scandinavian language is preferred.

NINA offers:

• Permanent position in one of Europe’s strongest environmental research institutes

• Payment according to scientific merits and experiences

• Flexible working hours

• Obligatory, attractive group pension scheme and insurance

• Attractive work environment in modern offices of high standard

Application and further information

Applications may be submitted on e-mail to siri.svendsen@nina.no. It must include a CV with information on education, relevant work experience, references and list of scientific publications.

Competitive candidates will be invited for interview.

NINA works actively to create a more diverse and inclusive work environment, as well as to recruit more women into research positions. Researchers with a minority background, women, and candidates who contribute to a wider diversity are therefore encouraged to apply.

Enquiries about the positions can be made to:

• Research Director Kristin E. Mathiesen, tel . +47 90 72 96 14. Kristin.mathiesen@nina.no

Application deadline is 1st of June 2022.