4-yr post-doc in kelp ecology (IMR Norway)

About the position
The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) offers a 4-year postdoctoral position as part of IMR’s strategic initiative to build a strong center for coastal and blue forest research within one of Europe’s largest marine research institutes. We seek a marine biologist with relevant experience and publication records within kelp forest ecosystem ecology to further explore blue carbon, regime shifts and restoration, and Arctic kelp forests in a changing environment. Knowledge about Norwegian and Arctic coastal ecosystems and scientific working diver certification are advantages. The postdoctoral researcher will work with a team of outstanding researchers and research technicians and we offer the opportunity to be part of an interdisciplinary and ambitious research center at IMR Flødevigen Research Station and the research group Benthic Communities.
Responsibilities and tasks
- Lead and support research activities at IMR supporting the Norwegian blue forest network (www.nbfn.no), especially the fate of blue carbon
- Lead and support Arctic kelp research and activities on kelp forest restoration
- Participate in national and international research applications and projects
- Science communication and writing, including outreach, presentations, reports, research publications and grant proposals
- Participate in cruises, field and lab work in connection with research, monitoring and experimental investigations, including scientific diving.
Required qualifications
- PhD in marine biology or similar
- Knowledge of kelp forest ecosystem ecology
- Experience with numerical and statistical analyses
- Published records in international peer-reviewed journals
- Experience with field activities, including scientific diving
We will emphasize
- Research experience in blue carbon and blue forest ecology
- Climate change and restoration related research
- Skills in analytical software like R Primer and GIS, and methods for mixed models, and time and gradient analyses
- Knowledge and experience with Norwegian and Arctic kelp ecosystems
- Experience with field work and experimental design
- Scientific working diver certificate and experience
- Good communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work independently and in teams
- Good written and oral skills in Norwegian and English
The working language at IMR is Norwegian, and good communication skills in Norwegian will be beneficial for both the applicant and IMR. The candidate should have a working knowledge of the Norwegian language (B1 level or similar documented level of fluency), or willingness to develop this proficiency during the employment period. Language training will be offered to candidates without documented B1 level.
Personal competencies
At the IMR we believe that personality affects how we work, communicate and thrive in the work place. For this position we are interested in candidates who
- Thrives well in collaboration with others and at the same time works independently
- Work structured and deliver with high quality
- Solution-oriented, attentive and flexible
- Are concerned about a good working environment
- Likes to paticipate in cruises and field work
Inclusion, Diversity and Affirmative Action
The Institute of Marine Research value diversity. Therefore, we welcome all qualified candidates to apply for the position, regardless of age, gender, functional ability, nationality or ethnical background. We are an Inclusive Working Life Enterprise, and we aim to facilitate for applicants with disabilities.
Upon receiving applications from candidates with reduced abilities, gaps in CV or immigrant background, we will invite at least one qualified candidate from each category to an interview. In order to be considered for affirmative action, certain requirements should be met. Please read more here.
If you wish to be considered for affirmative action, please specify when submitting your application.
We offer
- Work at one of Europe’s leading marine research institutions with extensive national and international contacts
- A challenging, creative, and international working environment
- Cutting edge projects in a strong scientific environment
- Flexible working hours, good pensions and welfare schemes
Additional information
The Institute of Marine Research offers a government-regulated salary as 1352 postdoctor, an excellent pension scheme through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and other welfare benefits (see www.spk.no/en for more information).
Applications should be submitted electronically via the link on this page and should be accompanied by a cover letter summarizing relevant skills and reasons why they are applying for the position, a complete CV, publication list, copies of maximum 5 peer reviewed publications, three references and transcripts of academic degrees.
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.
For more information about the position, please contact Frithof Moy by
- Phone: +47 478 00 024
- E-mail: frithjof.moy@hi.no

Institute of Marine Research
The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) is one of the largest research institutes of its kind in Europe, with approximately 1,000 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.