Research assistant / Junior Researcher - section for Global Challenges
Deadline: 13.10.2022
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.
The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) is recruiting a research assistant or junior researcher with a strong competence in social (preferably) and/or environmental sciences. The person should have a demonstrated ability to work interdisciplinary.
The position will be placed in NIVA’s new section for Global Challenges consisting of about 10 researchers with competence in social and environmental sciences. This new section is an offspring from the section Water and Society, and strong collaboration between the two sections are foreseen. Presently, the main theme of the new section deals with governance and management of plastics and waste pollution, e.g. in relation to the forthcoming global agreement on plastics. Related topics we work on are coastal and climate change and adaptation, circular economy, and participatory processes for stakeholder involvement. We work locally, nationally and internationally and presently has a portfolio of projects geographically in selected Asian countries, in EU and Norway.
In addition to typical research projects we also conduct knowledge projects supporting capacity building, business development and innovation development for the public and private sectors.
Main tasks
Typical research assistant/junior researcher tasks and assignments within the administrative, communication and social science components of the section’s projects, such as within the INOPOL project and the IKHAPP Knowledge Hub.
Such tasks include:
use of qualitative methods, such as semi-structured interviews, or mixed methods
contributing to the writing of policy analysis, scientific reviews, and policy briefs
administrative tasks related to reporting, applications, meetings, seminars, webinars, communication, and media outreach
Qualifications and experience
MSc degree in social (preferably) or environmental sciences and preferably relevant experiences in relevant science activities, administrative activities and/or communication activities
Knowledge and experience in qualitative or mixed methods
Ideally, the successful candidate would have experience from some of the thematic competence areas of the section, e.g. plastic or waste management or governance, coastal governance and policy, climate change adaptation or similar
Excellent written and spoken English are required
Scandinavian language skills would be an advantage, but not a requirement.
Personal abilities
We seek a social, systematic and independent person who likes to work in a dynamic working environment. The ability to inspire and communicate well with both national and international colleagues, partners, customers and users will be emphasized
You must like to work interdisciplinary, be open to new ideas and other perspectives. Flexibility, tolerance and positive attitude, dedication and perseverance are crucial abilities, as is the ability to handle challenging tasks
While you will be supervised by senior colleagues, we welcome candidates with an ambition to grow in responsibilities
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
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
