Researcher in drone-based mapping and monitoring in the coastal zone
Deadline: 24.03.2024
Publisert
Norwegian Institute for Water Research
The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) is a leading authority in the field of water and environmental research in Norway. We specialize in ecosystems both in freshwater and marine environments, spanning from mountains, through lakes and rivers, to fjords, coastlines, and oceans. We generate science-based knowledge and solutions to address challenges related to the interactions between water and climate, environment, nature, people, resources, and society.
NIVA recognizes the value of diversity, as different perspectives foster creativity, insight, and improved decision-making processes. Our work environment is characterized by respect and equality, and we treat all employees with the same dignity.
NIVA is a private, non-profit research foundation focused on marine and freshwater research. Our work informs climate and environment policy at national and international levels. The NIVA group has approximately 450 employees, with a head office in Oslo and regional offices in Bergen, Grimstad, Hamar, and Copenhagen, plus a research station at Drøbak (Oslofjord) and subsidiaries in Tromsø, Chile and China.
We are seeking a motivated and dedicated researcher to strengthen our team on drone-based research and monitoring in the coastal zone. The successful candidate will join NIVA’s team using flying, surface, and underwater drones for solving environmental challenges in aquatic environments. The position will be closely associated with activities at the Norwegian infrastructure for drone-based research, mapping, and monitoring in the coastal zone (SeaBee, www.seabee.no). The candidate will contribute to existing national and international projects and research aims, and work to further develop new research areas through writing proposals and acquisition activities.
The ideal candidate has a background within marine ecology/biology and interests in developing new techniques for ecological applications. Experience with or keen interest in drones, analyses (Pix4D, GIS, Python, R or similar) and scientific publishing is a prerequisite.
The candidate will join NIVA’s section for marine biology which works with a wide range of benthic and pelagic ecosystems. Our research activities include assessments of climatic and anthropogenic impacts, studies of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and building knowledge of blue carbon habitats and habitat restoration. For this, we apply traditional field methodologies, novel technologies (incl. drone and satellite remote sensing, and eDNA markers), laboratory experiments, and modelling work (distribution modeling and spatial statistics).
Assignments
The candidate is expected to:
Contribute to research and market development, using drone technology to map and monitor coastal habitats, their dynamics, as well as impacts from anthropogenic and climate changes.
Analyze drone data for assessments of blue forest distribution (kelp, rockweed, and seagrass), ecosystem health status, carbon stock estimation, biodiversity, etc.
Contribute to the development of NIVA and SeaBee’s project portfolio as well as implementation of existing and future projects.
Coordinate and collaborate in research proposals, offers and tenders that utilize SeaBee’s equipment and expertise in drone technology.
Publish scientific papers and reports and actively contribute to communicate scientific achievements.
Formal qualifications and experience
We are looking for a candidate with a PhD degree in marine biology or ecology, with a background in analysis of drone and/or satellite images, and user experience in GIS applications. The ideal candidate has a good understanding of coastal ecology, an interest in coastal habitats, and ideally field- and lab work experience. Good communication skills in both Scandinavian and English languages are essential.
The candidate should have several of the following skills:
Experience with drone data collection, image processing, and photogrammetry.
Good knowledge of GIS and GIS-software (such as ArcGIS, QGIS and/or GRASS) and ideally with Pix4D or Open Drone Map, as well as experience with Python, or similar.
Experience with writing scientific publications and/or reports.
Experience with writing funding applications and/or tenders.
Interests in developing novel applications and solutions to real-world challenges.
Personal abilities
We are looking for an enthusiastic, goal-oriented candidate with the ability to work both independently and in teams. You should be technically strong in your own discipline, willing to share your knowledge and eager to learn and develop new skills. A positive attitude is essential, and we are seeking a candidate that holds a desire for and the ability to work on complex tasks in teams.
NIVA offers
A full-time researcher position in NIVAs head office in Oslo.
A dynamic and ambitious working environment with the goal of being an internationally fronting institute on drone-based solutions for environmental research and monitoring.
Engaging and stimulating tasks within a leading national institution on water research.
Opportunities for professional and personal development in an organization were responsibility and initiative are highly valued.
Flexible working hours and the possibility of a partial remote work arrangement when your job tasks allow for it.
Great pension and insurance schemes.
A comprehensive network of national and international researchers.
A multicultural, social, and creative work environment.
Access to a gym at the office and to NIVAs cabin in Hemsedal.
Information about the processIn our recruitment processes, we utilize Semac background checks. This includes, among other things, document and source verification to confirm the validity of the documentation you have submitted.
Candidates may be contacted before the application deadline.
