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 400 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.
Interested in finding solutions to current and future environmental and societal challenges? NIVA is looking for a research leader within freshwater ecology
NIVA’s expertise within environmental research gives us a broad and varied understanding of all aspects related to natural conditions and human impacts in freshwater and marine environments. We have wide-ranging knowledge of species, habitats, water chemistry, pollutants/toxicity, hydrology, hydro morphology and the interactions between man and nature.
The Section for Freshwater Ecology works specifically with issues, including biodiversity, climate change, restoration and nature-based solutions, new methods for research and monitoring, red-listed and invasive species, eutrophication and algal blooms, and habitats and land use, within freshwater ecosystems.
The section consists of 10 dedicated and competent employees who do research and monitor freshwaters to find solutions that can meet current and future environmental and societal challenges. To provide such sustainable solutions, the section works interdisciplinary and in close cooperation with customers and stakeholders both nationally and internationally. The section works to acquire new knowledge and move the research front within relevant environmental topics forward, while at the same time this knowledge provides advice to authorities and business community.
The new leader and group will work closely with the Section for Nature-Based Solutions, led by Leonard Sandin.
NIVA currently has 16 research sections, each with 10-25 researchers, research assistants, engineers and PhD students. The research manager reports directly to one of NIVA's research directors and is part of the Institute’s operational management team.
NIVA's vision is "Research for a sustainable future" - with the values of relevance, integrity, quality and interaction. NIVA has a good reputation, a strong position and committed, skilled employees.
Main tasks
As the leader of a research section at NIVA, you will be an important contributor to further developing the Institute and ensuring that our research and consulting is relevant, knowledge-based, with integrity and high quality. Good interaction is important for finding solutions across professional and organisational boundaries, with external partners, as well as for the internal working environment.
You will contribute to the development and implementation of research strategies, as well as further develop the section's core scientific areas and ensure further innovation. You should have good knowledge of the market, including national and international research programmes, authorities and the business sector, and you will have overall responsibility for customer contact, profiling, acquisition and revenues.
The research manager is also responsible for the section's personnel, competence development, HSE, and project and quality management. We emphasise that you are a good role model and cultural developer who contributes actively to the working environment.
You will also be expected to make your own professional competence available in relevant projects, when required.
Qualifications and experiences
We are primarily looking for a leader with a PhD or senior experience in research areas related to freshwater ecology/limnology, with emphasis on one or more of the section's scientific working areas, such as aquatic biodiversity, new monitoring methods, eutrophication and algal blooms.
We will also consider candidates with experience from national or international environmental agencies and organizations within the section's sphere of competency.
In addition, candidates must show leadership skills and relevant management experience from research-related organizations.
We would like to emphasize that you have:
Broad national and international network and experience within e.g. freshwater ecology, biodiversity, new monitoring methods, eutrophication and algal blooms
Experience from applied research is an advantage
Relevant knowledge about research funding, particularly the Norwegian Research Council's programmes and the EU
At least 3-5 years of management experience ideally from comparable organization
Broad experience with project management
Good track record for own scientific production including representing organizations
Good oral and written communication skills in English is a prerequisite, preferably also in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language
Personal qualities
We are looking for you that are driven by solving environmental challenges in collaboration with social actors and employees with different expertise. You are an openminded curious person, and as a leader you can inspire to innovation, be clear and able to make decisions, delegate and implement priorities. You are team- and relationship-oriented and communicate well, both internally (team) and externally (clients and partners). You are motivated by leading and developing talented employees and work systematically with the working environment.
NIVA’s work environment is distinguished by respect and equality. We treat each other equally and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, functional ability, religion, ethnic and cultural background or any other defining aspect of an individual.
We can offer
Challenging and inspiring responsibilities 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 NIVA
Stimulating international working environment with skilled and dedicated employees.
Competitive compensation, pension schemes and insurance benefits.
Applicants may be evaluated and contacted before the application deadline.
