About the position

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Norway has an immediate opening for a permanent position as research scientist in the research group Demersal Fish, with workplace in Bergen. The group works on research, monitoring, and providing advice on demersal fish species, using biological and statistical models. The group works in close collaboration with other research groups at IMR and contributes to associated research fields, including impacts of climate change, ecology, and integrated ecosystem-based management. Extensive research collaboration with national and international institutions is expected and encouraged.

Area of research

The principal areas of research for the research scientist will include monitoring of demersal fish stocks in Norwegian marine ecosystems based on both catch sampling and scientific surveys. The scientist will be expected to lead and take part in field work and week-long surveys at sea. Furthermore, the scientist will work with scientific survey data and commercial catch data to carry out assessment of present and future stock sizes of main commercial fish species. The scientist will take part in developing methods in sampling techniques in addition to statistical and mathematical models.

Working in multi-disciplinary teams will be an important part of the position. The scientist is expected to contribute to international expert groups (ICES), e.g., fish biology and ecology, fish stock assessment, advice, survey planning and catch sampling. The scientist will also be expected to participate in public and stakeholder meetings to present and discuss the research and assessment related results that IMR provide. Initiating, participating, and contributing to research projects, both national and international, is also expected.

Requirements

We search for applicants with the following qualifications:

  • Candidates must have a PhD in fisheries biology, statistical ecology, statistics, or a related field.
  • Good experience and skills in applied statistics (skills in R or similar analytical software is necessary).
  • A good scientific publication record.
  • The ability to work independently, as well as in teams, and to deliver results (reports, analyses, papers) according to deadlines.
  • Good communication skills and willingness to communicate both to scientific and public audiences is important. Fluent oral and written skills in English are required.

The working language at IMR is Norwegian, and good communication skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is a significant advantage. This is especially important in communication with stakeholders. Sufficient progression in learning to speak and write Norwegian is expected during the first two years of employment. If necessary, language training will be offered and costs incurred will be reimbursed based upon completion of the language course.

Desired competencies

In addition to the requirements listed above, it will be an advantage with:

  • Experience in scientific resource surveys.
  • Competence within survey methodology.
  • Experience as cruise leader, including interpretation and analysis of acoustic data.
  • Experience with stock assessment (data poor / data rich stocks).

Personal characteristics

Applicants must have good collaboration skills, appear positive and in a good mood, be orderly and results-oriented, and be able to motivate colleagues. We will put great emphasis on personal qualities.

We offer:

  • The opportunity to work in one of Europe’s leading marine research institutions.
  • A positive, challenging and creative work environment.
  • Nice colleagues.
  • Facilities in the city center of Bergen.
  • Flexible work hours.
  • Public sector occupational pension through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (see https://www.spk.no/en/ for more information).
  • Cabins available for rent and other welfare benefits.
  • Sport facilities.

Additional information:

The Institute of Marine Research offers a government-regulated salary as research scientist (salary code 1109 or 1110 depending on qualifications and skills). For employment as 1110 research scientist a formal competency assessment is required. The assessment is carried out by an expert committee.

For more information, please contact research group leader Dr. Jane Aanestad Godiksen (email: jane.godiksen@hi.no, phone: +47 466 733 11) or scientist Dr. Knut Korsbrekke (email: knut.korsbrekke@hi.no, phone: +47 95 79 66 46). You can also visit our web site at www.hi.no/en.

Please apply electronically using the link on this page, attaching a short letter of motivation, the names and contact details of at least two references, your CV with documentation to support your application (including a list of publications, at least two references, transcripts, or other documentation), and a selection of your most relevant publications.

Please note that information about applicants may be made public even if an applicant has requested to be exempted from the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified about this in advance.

The Institute of Marine Research value diversity. We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, functional ability, nationality, or ethnical background. We are an Including Working Life Enterprise, and we aim to facilitate for applicants with reduced abilities.

About IMR

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) is one of the largest research institutes of its kind in Europe, with approximately 1100 employees and a wide range of research facilities and laboratories of high international standard. Our main activities are research, advisory work and monitoring. The IMR owns and operates six research vessels. Our main offices are in Bergen, and we have a department in Tromsø, and research stations in Matre, Austevoll and Flødevigen.

The IMR’s aim is to be a leading supplier of knowledge relating to the sustainable management of the resources in our marine ecosystems, both nationally and internationally, and the whole food chain from the sea to the table. This includes the marine environment, fish nutrition, and safe and nutritious sea food.

Further information can be found in this link.