Environmental social science positions at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)

The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) and its department in Lillehammer is looking to employ 1-2 new researchers trained in environmental social sciences.

NINA is an independent research foundation and the largest institute in applied ecology in Norway with approximately 270 employees (http://www.nina.no/ninaenglish/Start.aspx). NINA’s scientific staff includes 25 social scientists. The NINA headquarter is located in Trondheim with research departments in Oslo, Lillehammer, Bergen and Tromsø. NINA is part of the FRAM Centre in Tromsø and CIENS Research Center for Environment and Society in Oslo, as well as Centre for Tourism Research in Lillehammer.

NINA’s department in Lillehammer covers a broad range of topics using social sciences and interdisciplinary approaches, since we consider sustainability and conservation challenges as principally social issues. Key research themes are sustainability in natural resource management, public understanding of climate and environment mitigation and adaptation, environmental change, outdoor recreation and tourism, ecosystem services, human dimensions of wildlife, governance and policy, and conservation conflicts. In addition to theory based research, our scientists also conduct impact assessments and short-term applied projects for private and public sector. We conduct research in Norway as well as internationally. Key clients include environmental management agencies, municipalities, the business community and the Norwegian Research Council. The department has extensive collaboration with national and international research institutions.

About the positions:
We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in social scientific and interdisciplinary research contributing to sustainable environmental management and conservation. Research tasks will include social science- and socio-ecological approaches to topics like sustainable natural resources management, biodiversity conservation, public health, well-being and quality of life, cultural heritage, co-existence in multiple use landscapes, ecosystem services, climate change adaptation, land use and planning, and renewable energy development. The positions will be linked to the full range of  projects from short term impact assessments and contract research to more long term, scientific research funded by the Norwegian Research Council and the EU H2020 programs. Implementation, reporting and dissemination/outreach of research form central parts of being a scientist in NINA, and we expect candidates to  have a strong focus on international, peer-reviewed scientific publishing. The researchers are expected to take active parts in development of new projects nationally and internationally. Within these frames , researchers are given considerable freedom to develop projects according to their own background and interest.

Responsibilities:
• Design and carry out research related to a broad range of human-environment interactions
• Project management, including developing proposals, implementing, conducting and leading projects, dissemination and outreach to end-users
• Strategic project planning and development of new research topics
• Science communication and cooperation with management, clients, users and research partners

We are looking for:
You are proactive and enjoy to collaborate with other researchers in-house in an interdisciplinary work environment as well with researchers and clients in other institutions. You have strong interest and skills in project development, dissemination and communication. You have a good understanding of the role of applied social sciences and the need for cross-cutting approaches. Basic knowledge of the different public sectors’ information needs, mandates, roles and challenges is necessary.

Formal qualifications:
PhD or equivalent qualifications in geography, psychology, sociology, social anthropology, history or a related multidisciplinary Ph.d. program. Well-developed quantitative and/or qualitative methodological expertise and experience of working in multidisciplinary teams is desirable. Some working experience after completed Ph.d., e.g. post-doc, is preferred. Excellent speaking, writing and presentation skills in English is required, good understanding of Norwegian/Scandinavian language is preferred.

NINA offers:
• Permanent position in one of Europe’s strongest environmental research institutes
• Payment according to scientific merits and experiences
• Flexible working hours
• Obligatory, attractive group pension scheme and insurance
• Attractive work environment in modern offices of high standard

Application and further information:
Applications may be submitted electronically to siri.svendsen@nina.no. It must include a CV with information on education, relevant work experience, references and list of scientific publications.

Competitive candidates will be invited for interview.

NINA works actively recruiting women in research positions, and women are encouraged to apply.

Enquiries about the positions can be made to: Assistant Research Director Øystein Aas, tel . +47 934 66 710, oystein.aas@nina.no Research Director Jon Museth, tel . +47 413 13 496, jon.museth@nina.no

Application deadline is 1st September 2019.