1352 Postdoctoral position in marine ecological modelling

Institute of Marine Research; Arendal; On-site; NOK 680,000 - 760,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute of Marine Research invites applications for a 3-year postdoctoral position within MORSE, a Horizon Europe project aimed at developing climate-resilient restoration models for European seas. The successful candidate will model northern European and Norwegian marine ecosystems and collaborate with partners across seven countries.

Based in one of IMR’s offices, the role requires strong ecological modelling skills, a publication record, and the ability to work in an international team.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology or ecology, preferably with ecological modelling focus.
• Documented experience in ecological modelling.
• Strong publication record in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support MORSE research activities as directed by project leaders.
• Write research publications, reports, and grant proposals.
• Participate in scientific conferences, science communication, and outreach activities.
• Review and compile existing data on restoration pathways, ecosystem status, and pressures for focal species and habitats, and define favourable reference areas for these.
• Review and compile existing models and data sources for the Norwegian sea areas (including the Skagerrak, Norwegian Sea, North Sea, and Barents Sea).
• Apply species distribution models and assess environmental status using the NEAT tool.
• Model land-based and sea-based pressures on marine habitats, and the role of MPAs.
• Participate in work package coordination and reporting.
• Maintain and curate datasets and coordinate data sharing and modelling efforts across MORSE partners.

Skills

Ecological modelling experience

Strong publication record

English proficiency (oral & written)

Education

PhD in biology or ecology

Job description

Institute of Marine Research

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) offers a 3-year postdoctoral position as part of the MORSE ("Models supporting practical restoration of habitats and species in Europe’s seas") research project funded by Horizon Europe. This project sits within IMR’s strategic initiative to build a strong center for marine research within one of Europe's largest marine research institutes. The candidate will ideally start in early 2027.

We seek a postdoctoral researcher with a background in ecological modelling, with relevant experience and publication record on modelling marine and/or aquatic ecosystems. The postdoctoral researcher will work across several work packages, including WP5 (reviewing and compiling data on restoration pathways, pressures, and ecological needs of focal species and habitats, and defining favourable reference areas), WP6 (species distribution modelling and assessment of environmental status (NEAT), WP7 (modelling land-, and sea-based pressures, and MPAs), and WP8 (modelling ecosystem services). The broader aim of the project is to develop and demonstrate effective and climate-resilient restoration models for European marine ecosystems to inform more effective restoration efforts.

The postdoctoral researcher will work with a team of researchers at IMR and collaborating partners to carry out and deliver research outcomes in the MORSE project. The MORSE project that the postdoctoral position is associated with is a 4-year project that is led by the Finnish Environmental Institute (SYKE) and includes institutions across seven European countries (Finland, Sweden, Norway, UK, Spain, Portugal, and Greece). Travel to workshops and meetings in these countries should be anticipated. The postdoctoral researcher will gain mentoring support, training, and networking opportunities from the leading researchers associated with the MORSE project, and have the opportunity to establish connections and advance their research career over the course of the project. More information about MORSE can be found at the project website: https://morse-project.eu/

Knowledge about northern European marine ecosystems is an advantage, as the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for modelling Norwegian marine ecosystems. The position is placed within the Benthic Communities research group and can be located at any of the IMR offices. Note that the IMR project lead (Karine Gagnon) is based at Flødevigen Research Station, but the research group includes members across all three locations. IMR has good links and cooperation with industry, management, and the university sector. We offer the opportunity to be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and ambitious research group with strong national and international links.

• Lead and support MORSE research activities as directed by project leaders.
• Write research publications, reports, and grant proposals.
• Participate in scientific conferences, science communication, and outreach activities.
• Review and compile existing data on restoration pathways, ecosystem status, and pressures for focal species and habitats, and define favourable reference areas for these
• Review and compile existing models and data sources for the Norwegian sea areas (including the Skagerrak, Norwegian Sea, North Sea, and Barents Sea)
• Apply species distribution models and assess environmental status using the NEAT tool
• Model land-based and sea-based pressures on marine habitats, and the role of MPAs
• Participate in work package coordination and reporting
• Maintain and curate datasets and coordinate data sharing and modelling efforts across MORSE partners.

About the Research Group and Our Work

The Benthic Communities group focuses on research, mapping, and monitoring of benthic ecosystems, including seagrass meadows, macroalgae forests, and deep-sea ecosystems. Research within the project will support IMR’s national advisory task on ecosystem-based management of seas and coastal areas, where environmental changes and human activities and are important factors. The research group has over 30 employees base on Flødevigen, Bergen, and Tromsø.

Qualification Requirements

For this position, we are looking for a candidate with

• PhD in biology or ecology, preferably with a focus on ecological modelling
• Documented experience in ecological modelling
• Strong publication record in international peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral skills in English

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 our institute. We expect non-Norwegian-speaking employees to complete Norwegian language courses during the first two years of employment. The institute will cover the cost of completed and passed Norwegian courses.

Personal Qualities

At the Institute of Marine Research, we believe that personality plays a role in how one works, communicates, and thrives in the workplace. For this position, we are looking for a colleague who

• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• Good organisational and logistics skills.
• Ability to complete work on time and meeting deadline
• Ability to work efficiently independently and in teams.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong skills and experience in ecological modelling and data analysis
• Ability and willingness to collaborate with colleagues in Norway and abroad
• Ability and willingness to organize and lead joint modelling efforts with partners abroad
• Research experience in marine ecosystems, species, and habitats
• Research experience in ecological restoration and/or conservation

Inclusion and Diversity is a Strength

The Institute of Marine Research believes that inclusion and diversity are strengths. Therefore, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply for a position with us, regardless of age, gender, disability, nationality, or ethnic background. The Institute is an Inclusive Workplace (IA) company, and we aim to accommodate applicants with disabilities.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities , employment gaps , or immigrant backgrounds , we will invite at least one applicant from each of these groups to an interview. To be considered for affirmative action, you must meet the requirements and indicate that you wish to be considered for theaction in your application. You can read more here .

Your application must include

• a cover letter describing your research interests and motivation for applying for the position. The letter should not exceed one A4 page.
• Full name and contact details for two or three referees, preferably your PhD supervisor and/or references from recent employment.
• CV, transcripts, diplomas, and relevant certificates.
• A list of scientific publications, if applicable.

All documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Candidates with documentation from foreign institutions must include an explanation of the institution’s grading system.

We offer

• the opportunity to work in one of Europe’s leading marine research institutes
• a creative working environment
• public sector occupational pension through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Funds (SPK)
• access to company cabins, fitness facilities, and other welfare benefits

Aditional information

The position is remunerated as 1352 Postdoctoral in accordance with the main collective agreement in the state sector, depending on your qualifications and the characteristics of the position. A 2 % contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted from the salary.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.

Please note that information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to be listed. Applicants will be informed in advance if such disclosure is necessary.

The Institute of Marine Research is subject to export control regulations. These regulations apply to the processing of applications for the position.

Applicants with education from abroad may be asked to provide NOKUT approval of their qualifications. You may be asked to approve that the Institute of Marine Research conducts a background check.

The Institute of Marine Research is one of Europe’s largest marine research institutes, with over 1,000 employees and a range of high-standard research facilities and laboratories. Our main activities are research, advisory work, and monitoring. The institute owns and operates eight research vessels. Our headquarters are in Bergen, with additional offices in Tromsø and research stations in Matre, Austevoll, and Flødevigen.The Institute of Marine Research aims to be a leading provider of knowledge to ensure the sustainable management of marine ecosystem resources—nationally and internationally—across the entire value chain from ocean to food, including the marine environment, fish nutrition, and safe, healthy seafood.

Project Specialist – Marine & Technical Projects