Marine mammal researcher
Apply for the position
About the position
We have a permanent position available as a researcher in the marine mammal research group. The appointed person will primarily focus on issues related to the bycatch of marine mammals along the Norwegian coast. In the first place, it concerns porpoise, harbor seal and otter, but also issues related to large whales that get stuck in seines and other fisheries are important. Funding is mainly via NFD and FFA, but EU applications for by-catch are being prepared, and this position will be an important part of such a project. In addition, funding from FHF is also likely for specific projects. The position has a workplace in Tromsø, where the specialist group for marine mammals is mainly based.
About the research group and the work we do
Research group Sea mammals aims to further develop methodology for, and carry out routine updating of, the advisory basis for the management of seals and whales (abundance, production capacity and ecological importance). This with the main emphasis on species that are taxed or that form important links in marine ecosystems.
Work assignments
The person employed will be involved in the ongoing monitoring of the extent of bycatch of marine mammals in fisheries. The person will also be central to the evaluation of the effect of, further research into and advice on, acoustic alarms and other relevant mitigation measures on the by-catch of porpoise in the Vestfjorden. The new employee will also be a key person in a so-called REM pilot project (Remote Electronic Monitoring), where fixed cameras on fishing boats will be used to automatically identify bycatch of marine mammals in nets.
Whoever gets the position must expect to be involved in advising on the effects of bycatch of marine mammals in Norwegian waters. It will also be necessary to communicate with fishermen and various regulatory authorities. Communication will mostly take place in Norwegian. It is expected that the results of the research will be made known, among other things, through working groups, conferences and recognized journals. Eventually, the person who gets the position will be able to expect increasing participation in management-oriented research and advice on the coastal seal population in Norwegian waters (harbour seal and otter).
Analysis tools are primarily statistics, which probably entails the use of R, but other data processing and analysis tools are also relevant (Python, C++, GIS systems). In addition, the coastal reference fleet is used extensively for testing new mitigation methodologies, and fishery data from the Directorate of Fisheries is of great importance for mapping the bycatch rate in various Norwegian fisheries.
Qualification requirements
PhD in marine biology or similar subject
Knowledge of and experience from working with issues related to the bycatch of marine mammals in various fisheries, with a focus on Norwegian fisheries and marine areas
Experience with consultancy relating to interactions between human activity and marine mammals, including contact with the fishing industry and administrative bodies such as the Directorate of Fisheries
Strong programming skills (preferably fluent R skills and good python/C++) and ability to quickly familiarize yourself with other programming languages if needed
Good knowledge of, and experience with, GIS-based data handling and analysis
Knowledge of and experience with the use of fisheries data
Experience from practical and administrative work related to the testing of acoustic scares, so-called "pingers"
Participation in international working groups with a focus on bycatch, including via NAMMCO and ICES
The position will involve data processing and analysis, and therefore experience with this is an advantage.
The working language at the Institute of Marine Research is Norwegian. Being able to communicate well in Norwegian is an important prerequisite for both the employee and the institute. It is expected that non-Norwegian-speaking employees complete a Norwegian course during the first two years of employment. Norwegian training will be covered by the institute after courses have been completed and passed.
Desired competence
Marine biology, fisheries biology or similar
Good knowledge of statistics and data analysis
Ability to process large amounts of data efficiently
Field experience, especially working from a small boat and design and execution of experiments
Practical experience in working with marine mammals
Experience from working with acoustic equipment (eg hydrophones), autonomous vehicles, and semi-automatic and automatic observation systems will be seen as advantageous, as this is a development area for our research program
Personal characteristics
Technical insight, flexibility, good social skills, tidiness and a good sense of order are important to be able to participate in data collection on various voyages, as well as carry out ongoing tasks on land in a satisfactory manner.
Good cooperation and communication skills are important, as well as a willingness to cooperate and a willingness to communicate both professionally and to the public (including fishermen). Academic communication will mostly be in English, while communication to the public and authorities will take place almost exclusively in Norwegian.
Inclusion, diversity and positive discrimination
The Institute of Marine Research encourages all qualified candidates to apply for a job with us, regardless of age, gender, functional ability, nationality or ethnic background. The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research is an IA company, and we want to facilitate the conditions for applicants with reduced functional capacity.
If there are qualified applicants with a disability, gaps in their CV or an immigrant background, we will call at least one applicant in each of these groups for an interview. In order to be assessed as an applicant with the right to positive discrimination, you must meet certain requirements, as well as tick the box that you want positive discrimination when you apply. You can read more about the requirements here .
We offer
Work in one of Europe's leading research institutions, with great social significance
An exciting and solid professional environment
Premises in central Tromsø
Flexible time arrangement, with summer and winter time
Public occupational pension scheme in the State pension fund
Company sports team, with the possibility of training during working hours
Company cabins
The application must contain
a brief statement about your research interests and your motivation for applying for the position
names and contact details of at least two references, where these should be the main supervisor from the doctoral degree and from other recent employment relationships
CV, transcripts and diplomas
relevant certificates
possible list of scientific publications
Further information
The position is paid as 1109 researcher in accordance with the Central Tariff Agreement in the state, depending on qualifications. A 2% contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the gross salary.
About the position
We have a permanent position available as a researcher in the marine mammal research group. The appointed person will primarily focus on issues related to the bycatch of marine mammals along the Norwegian coast. In the first place, it concerns porpoise, harbor seal and otter, but also issues related to large whales that get stuck in seines and other fisheries are important. Funding is mainly via NFD and FFA, but EU applications for by-catch are being prepared, and this position will be an important part of such a project. In addition, funding from FHF is also likely for specific projects. The position has a workplace in Tromsø, where the specialist group for marine mammals is mainly based.
About the research group and the work we do
Research group Sea mammals aims to further develop methodology for, and carry out routine updating of, the advisory basis for the management of seals and whales (abundance, production capacity and ecological importance). This with the main emphasis on species that are taxed or that form important links in marine ecosystems.
Work assignments
The person employed will be involved in the ongoing monitoring of the extent of bycatch of marine mammals in fisheries. The person will also be central to the evaluation of the effect of, further research into and advice on, acoustic alarms and other relevant mitigation measures on the by-catch of porpoise in the Vestfjorden. The new employee will also be a key person in a so-called REM pilot project (Remote Electronic Monitoring), where fixed cameras on fishing boats will be used to automatically identify bycatch of marine mammals in nets.
Whoever gets the position must expect to be involved in advising on the effects of bycatch of marine mammals in Norwegian waters. It will also be necessary to communicate with fishermen and various regulatory authorities. Communication will mostly take place in Norwegian. It is expected that the results of the research will be made known, among other things, through working groups, conferences and recognized journals. Eventually, the person who gets the position will be able to expect increasing participation in management-oriented research and advice on the coastal seal population in Norwegian waters (harbour seal and otter).
Analysis tools are primarily statistics, which probably entails the use of R, but other data processing and analysis tools are also relevant (Python, C++, GIS systems). In addition, the coastal reference fleet is used extensively for testing new mitigation methodologies, and fishery data from the Directorate of Fisheries is of great importance for mapping the bycatch rate in various Norwegian fisheries.
Qualification requirements
PhD in marine biology or similar subject
Knowledge of and experience from working with issues related to the bycatch of marine mammals in various fisheries, with a focus on Norwegian fisheries and marine areas
Experience with consultancy relating to interactions between human activity and marine mammals, including contact with the fishing industry and administrative bodies such as the Directorate of Fisheries
Strong programming skills (preferably fluent R skills and good python/C++) and ability to quickly familiarize yourself with other programming languages if needed
Good knowledge of, and experience with, GIS-based data handling and analysis
Knowledge of and experience with the use of fisheries data
Experience from practical and administrative work related to the testing of acoustic scares, so-called "pingers"
Participation in international working groups with a focus on bycatch, including via NAMMCO and ICES
The position will involve data processing and analysis, and therefore experience with this is an advantage.
The working language at the Institute of Marine Research is Norwegian. Being able to communicate well in Norwegian is an important prerequisite for both the employee and the institute. It is expected that non-Norwegian-speaking employees complete a Norwegian course during the first two years of employment. Norwegian training will be covered by the institute after courses have been completed and passed.
Desired competence
Marine biology, fisheries biology or similar
Good knowledge of statistics and data analysis
Ability to process large amounts of data efficiently
Field experience, especially working from a small boat and design and execution of experiments
Practical experience in working with marine mammals
Experience from working with acoustic equipment (eg hydrophones), autonomous vehicles, and semi-automatic and automatic observation systems will be seen as advantageous, as this is a development area for our research program
Personal characteristics
Technical insight, flexibility, good social skills, tidiness and a good sense of order are important to be able to participate in data collection on various voyages, as well as carry out ongoing tasks on land in a satisfactory manner.
Good cooperation and communication skills are important, as well as a willingness to cooperate and a willingness to communicate both professionally and to the public (including fishermen). Academic communication will mostly be in English, while communication to the public and authorities will take place almost exclusively in Norwegian.
Inclusion, diversity and positive discrimination
The Institute of Marine Research encourages all qualified candidates to apply for a job with us, regardless of age, gender, functional ability, nationality or ethnic background. The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research is an IA company, and we want to facilitate the conditions for applicants with reduced functional capacity.
If there are qualified applicants with a disability, gaps in their CV or an immigrant background, we will call at least one applicant in each of these groups for an interview. In order to be assessed as an applicant with the right to positive discrimination, you must meet certain requirements, as well as tick the box that you want positive discrimination when you apply. You can read more about the requirements here .
We offer
Work in one of Europe's leading research institutions, with great social significance
An exciting and solid professional environment
Premises in central Tromsø
Flexible time arrangement, with summer and winter time
Public occupational pension scheme in the State pension fund
Company sports team, with the possibility of training during working hours
Company cabins
The application must contain
a brief statement about your research interests and your motivation for applying for the position
names and contact details of at least two references, where these should be the main supervisor from the doctoral degree and from other recent employment relationships
CV, transcripts and diplomas
relevant certificates
possible list of scientific publications
Further information
The position is paid as 1109 researcher in accordance with the Central Tariff Agreement in the state, depending on qualifications. A 2% contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the gross salary.
