We are seeking two researchers in marine blue carbon and biostatistics/modelling

NIVA is a private, non-profit research foundation focused on marine and freshwater research. Our work informs climate and environment policy at national and international levels.

NIVA is seeking two researchers, one with competence within marine blue carbon, and another within biostatistics/modelling with a focus on marine ecology.

The right candidates will join NIVA’s section for marine biology which primarily works within coastal ecology, with a focus on benthic and pelagic ecosystem structure, function and interaction between species on both soft and hard substrate. Research and monitoring of ecological effects of e.g., climate and human activity in coastal areas are core topics, as well as habitat mapping, biodiversity, ecosystem services, blue forest, blue carbon, macroalgae cultivation and restoration of benthic communities. In our work, we use spatial statistics, remote sensing, GIS, multivariate analyses, trait analyses, food web analyses, habitat modeling, and genetic methods. We also use traditional methodology such as species identification and classification of ecological condition. Field work is also an important part of our work, where we collect data for further analyses through e.g., scientific diving, ROV`s and flying and surface drones. 

Main assignments

The blue carbon candidate is expected to:

• Contribute to ongoing projects on carbon turnover in marine ecosystems
• Coordinate and collaborate in research proposals related to blue carbon and blue forests (kelp forests, seagrass meadows, and rockweed beds), and kelp cultivation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, industry and research institutes on blue carbon initiatives
• Contribute to fieldwork, data analysis and calculations of blue carbon budgets
• Contribute to writing reports and publications

The biostatistics candidate is expected to:

• Contribute with quantitative competence in ongoing projects in the marine biology section
• Apply own knowledge into research on ecological questions, and use this to broaden own competence
• Coordinate and collaborate in research proposals
• Contribute to writing reports and publications

Formal qualifications and experience

We are looking for two candidates with either a MSc or PhD, where one candidate is a biologist with a background/interest in biogeochemistry and carbon fluxes in marine ecosystems and the other candidate is a biostatistician with a keen interest in biology. For both positions, good communication skills in both Scandinavian and English language is essential.

Both candidates should have:

• Experience with, or contributing to, writing funding applications and/or tenders
• Experience in writing reports and/or scientific publications

The blue carbon candidate should have:

• Knowledge on carbon turnover in coastal and offshore marine ecosystems, including primary production (POC and DOC), export, turnover and storage
• Experience of, or interest in, blue forest and natural or cultivated seaweed and kelp
• Interest in issues relevant to both research, management- and industry projects on nature-based solutions and climate-positive measures
  

The bioinformatics candidate should have:

• A strong background in biostatistics and modelling with good knowledge of programming in R. Experience with additional programing languages is an advantage
• Good knowledge of GIS and GIS-software (such as ArcGIS, QGIS and/or GRASS). Experience with Python (and other languages) for flexible programming of GIS-tasks is a clear advantage
• An interest in, or experience in, processing images and orthomosaics (from drones) is an advantage

Personal abilities

We are looking for two enthusiastic, goal-oriented candidates with the ability to work both independently and in teams. You should be technically strong in your own discipline, willing to share your knowledge and eager to acquire new knowledge as well as able to apply your knowledge and skills in new areas. A positive attitude is essential, and you should have a desire and the ability, to work on complex tasks in teams. 

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 ethnic background.

NIVA offers

• Exciting and stimulating tasks in a leading national water science research institute with great social significance
• An opportunity for professional and personal development in an organization were 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
• Personal development opportunities
• A multicultural, social, and creative work environment
• Cabin in Hemsedal
• Fitness room at the office in Oslo