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.
We are looking for a senior research scientist with expertise in river ecosystems
Are you a senior scientist in river ecology or river restoration science? Are you interested in working on solutions to restore freshwater biodiversity and the natural functioning of rivers? 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 research scientist to expand NIVAs profile in river research.
We carry out research and innovation on topics such as freshwater biodiversity, climate impacts, river 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. To better understand environmental challenges and to provide sustainable solutions, the section works interdisciplinary with a number of other sections working on freshwater ecology, catchment processes, environmental law and governance, social science, data science, environmental contaminants and marine and coastal ecosystems. We also work in close cooperation with customers, stakeholders and small businesses implementing river restoration solutions.
NIVA's vision is "Research for a sustainable future" and we aim to deliver impactful research, contributing to the Green Shift in Europe and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Evaluation of nature-based solutions for river restoration and climate adaptation are key research themes in the section that contribute to this, supported by a strong backbone in environmental monitoring of the status of river ecosystems.
Background to role
NIVA currently has 15 research sections, each with 10-25 researchers, research assistants, engineers and PhD students. The research scientist will be a senior member of the Section on Nature-based solutions and Aquatic Ecology.
You will contribute to the development and implementation of NIVAs research strategy, as well as further develop the section's core research interests in river ecology and nature-based solutions. You should have a track record of success in research funding, ideally with involvement in international research programs 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 staff in the section and across NIVA.
You will have responsibilities for customer contact, project acquisition and revenues and will contribute to shaping NIVAs research development and innovation strategy in line with national and international research agendas for freshwaters. We expect you to be a good role model to staff and supportive of career development. You will contribute actively to a positive working culture and a supportive work environment.
Qualifications and experiences
We are primarily looking for a senior research scientist with recognized expertise in river ecosystems. Research experience in topics such as river ecology, freshwater biodiversity, restoration and nature-based solutions, landscape ecology, climate change (impacts, adaptation), or new monitoring methods are desirable.
In addition, the right candidate for the senior researcher post should demonstrate good team and project management experience within a research-related organization.
We are looking for a senior researcher that has some of the following qualities:
Experience of applying for, and leading, research projects nationally and/or internationally within the section's primary subject and market areas.
Experience with developing and leading interdisciplinary projects and strong networking and collaboration skills.
A national and international network of collaborators and good knowledge of research and innovation agendas in river ecology, river restoration and nature-based solutions
Relevant knowledge about research funding, particularly the Norwegian Research Council, Nordforsk, the EU, or similar funding agencies.
Broad experience with project management
Demonstrate a good publication record
Experience in disseminating research to a wide variety of audiences and representing an organization to external customers and policy makers.
Very good written and oral formulation skills in English are a prerequisite, preferably also in Norwegian or another related Scandinavian language.
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 an open-minded curious person and team-oriented. You communicate well, both internally (team) and externally (clients and partners). You should also be motivated by developing talented early career employees.
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 promotes innovation and encourage all qualified candidates to apply for positions at NIVA regardless of age, gender, functional ability, nationality, or ethnical background.
NIVA offers
Challenging and inspiring tasks at Norway's leading water research institute with a broad project portfolio and an extensive international network.
The opportunity to contribute to the direction of environmental research at The Institute and internationally
Stimulating international working environment with skilled and dedicated employees.
Competitive pay, pension schemes and insurance benefits.
Applicants can be evaluated and contacted before the application deadline.
