Researcher position in blue economy relevant economics disciplines
Deadline: 02.01.2023
Norwegian Institute for Water Research
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.
Aquatic and marine resources are central to the delivery of the global 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Sustainable Blue Economy targets in the EU’s Green Deal, and Norway’s high blue economy ambitions. A sustainable and circular blue economy seeks to promote inclusive and equitable economic growth, responsible production and consumption, social inclusion, and the preservation and improvement of livelihoods and environmental sustainability of aquatic and marine ecosystems and associated resources. The position fits nicely with NIVA’s own strategy towards 2030 for several competence areas; The aquaculture and the seafood industry; Sustainable harvesting of marine resources; Sustainable business development; Nature-based solutions and Inclusive environmental governance, to mention some.The position is placed in NIVA’s section for Water and Society with close to 20 researchers from a range of nationalities covering competencies mostly in social sciences, including law, policy science, geography and economics. Our research addresses both societal and environmental challenges, mostly connected to freshwaters and marine waters, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and competition for space and resources between new and traditional uses, and opportunities offered by a sustainable blue economy. We work nationally and internationally, from local to international levels. In addition to typical research and innovation projects, we also advise the public and private sectors on capacity building, business development and innovation matters. We are increasingly engaged in projects in which the focus is upon a broader blue economy.
The successful candidate will primarily be based in NIVA’s head office in Oslo, but other NIVA regional offices can be considered.
Experience
We are looking for a researcher with background in subject areas such as bioeconomic modelling, ecosystem service assessments, circular marine bioeconomy, and related blue environmental economics. The successful candidate has experience in research and knowledge work on such themes within various applications contexts, in support of public administration, of businesses, and of policy development, in addition to academic research. The right candidate must have experience in economic policy optimization and value chain analysis related to Ecopath with Ecosim models as required within the ECOSCOPE project. Other relevant experiences, such as knowledge about ecosystems services/valuation, related to blue economy and quantitative economics methods are welcome. It is desirable that the candidate has knowledge of Norwegian and / or European relevant policies and initiatives in the blue economy. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to developing a larger project portfolio with economy colleagues from within the section Water & Society and other sections, such as Section Aquaculture, Section Marine biology, Section Microalgae and the daughter companies AkvaplanNIVA and NIVA Chile.
Primary tasks
Contribute to various relevant EU Horizon 2020 / Europe projects in which several of the competencies outlined above are relevant, and specifically in the H2020 project ECOSCOPE with bioeconomic modelling.
Be proactive in acquisition activities and contribute to developing, leading and/or implementing other research, innovation and advisory projects related to blue economy.
To work in an interdisciplinary and often transdisciplinary manner with NIVA’s other researchers and external partners, clients and actors.
Communication with various stakeholders and clients.
Writing of reports, scientific papers and other communication outputs.
Qualifications
We primarily search for an experienced researcher with the following qualifications:
Preferably a PhD from a relevant blue economy discipline.
Solid experience from inter-disciplinary and/or trans-disciplinary projects with involvement of natural scientists and sector representatives, both private and public.
Demonstrated publications track-record.
Experience in project management, including project acquisition.
We ideally need a candidate with:
Knowledge of relevant Norwegian and / or European policies and initiatives in the field of the blue economy.
Strong ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, as documented by relevant documents/papers.
Knowledge and mastery of a Scandinavian language for undertaking research in Norway; and if not - willingness to learn
Personal abilities
We are looking for a team player who excels and thrives in both local and international research, innovation and knowledge brokering projects, working both with other researchers but equally so with relevant actors and stakeholders, and who also may work independently. You will work with experienced colleagues, and your tasks and responsibilities will be adjusted to your experience and capacities. We hope that you are interested in communication across disciplines, stakeholders and nationalities, thus good abilities in academic and non-academic communication, both written and oral, is needed.
Inclusion and diversity
NIVA’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. We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply for positions at NIVA
NIVA offers
Exciting and stimulating tasks in a leading international applied research institute with considerable societal impact.
An opportunity for professional and personal development in an organization where responsibility and initiative are highly valued.
Flexible working hours, good pension, welfare and insurance schemes, and competitive salary.
To be part of a network of national and international researchers from many disciplines.
A multicultural, social, and creative work environment
