New Position Available: SCIENCE COORDINATOR

ON Ocean Network; Bergen; On-site; NOK 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Statsraad Lehmkuhl seeks a Science Coordinator to lead on-board scientific activities, manage instruments, and coordinate fieldwork with partners. You will communicate complex science to diverse audiences, both on board and in port, while supporting ongoing expeditions and education programs.

The role requires MSc in marine science or related field, fluent English, and ability to travel at sea for extended periods. Norwegian language skills are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Minimum MSc in marine science, oceanography, environmental science, or related field
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Ability to communicate in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish
• Ability to work at sea for extended periods
• Experience handling scientific equipment and field sampling

Responsibilities

• Oversee all scientific equipment on board, including operation and maintenance
• Instruct crew and researchers in use of instruments
• Coordinate research stations with the captain and shore partners
• Serve as liaison with charterers for research programs on each leg
• Engage in outreach and science communication during ports and events
• Assist with planning future expeditions and onboard maintenance

Job description

Arbeidsgiver

Statsraad Lehmkuhl

Sted

Bradbenken 2, 5003 Bergen

Om jobben

Stillingstittel Science Coordinator

Type ansettelse Fast, heltid 100%

Antall stillinger 1

Arbeidsspråk Norsk eller engelsk

Statsraad Lehmkuhl is one of the world’s oldest and largest active tall ships, with home port in Bergen, Norway. Built in 1914 as a sail training vessel, the ship has spent more than a century developing people through hands‑on learning at sea and remains a strong symbol of Norway’s maritime heritage and functions now as an ambassador for the seafaring nation Norway and the UN Ocean Decade.

Today, Statsraad Lehmkuhl offers a unique working environment where sailing and learning come together. On board, crew members, trainees, and international partners actively participate in the daily operation of the ship—gaining practical experience in seamanship, teamwork, and leadership in an international setting.

We are now seeking a Science Coordinator to help strengthen Statsraad Lehmkuhl as a platform for ocean science, education, and public engagement. You will have the opportunity to influence our scientific initiatives and contribute to global awareness of ocean sustainability.

In 2027 the ship will sail in Northern and southern Europe, participate in the Tall Ships Races 2027 and sail two longer voyages chartered by the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy.

In April 2028 the Statsraad Lehmkuhl will set sail for the next leg of its One Ocean Expedition journey to inspire global awareness of ocean sustainability: the One Ocean Expedition 2028-2030.

This two‑year‑long voyage builds on the 2021-2023 and 2025-2026 expeditions, where the ship circumnavigated the globe to raise awareness about the ocean’s critical role for a sustainable future.

As a recognized part and a floating ambassador for the UN Ocean Decade, the expedition contributes to the Decade's goal of achieving “the science we need for the ocean we want.” We aim to use our ship not only as a sail training vessel but also as a platform for change, mobilizing science and action for a healthier ocean for future generations.

Responsibilities Of The Science Coordinator

We are looking for a Science Coordinator (SC) who combines technical expertise in handling scientific equipment with strong communication skills to effectively convey scientific concepts to a broad audience.

The SC will oversee all scientific equipment on board, which includes understanding, operating and maintaining the instruments, as well as instructing others in the use of the instruments.

Support from shore if needed by Institute of Marine Research, Kongsberg Discover and others.

The Science Coordinator reports operationally to the Chief Officer while at sea and works closely with the Foundation's management team ashore.

The SC will serve as the contact point for the various charterers on each leg regarding their research programs.

Charters and partners for the expedition 2025-2026 included organizations such as the Institute of Marine Research, the European Space Agency, Ocean Data Lab, NASA, Kongsberg Discovery, and the UiT — The Arctic University of Norway, Innovaciones Alumbra, among others.

Equally important to technical knowledge is the ability to explain and present science in an understandable and engaging way to everyone on board, also during events in port, and through our social media channels.

Our aim is to use the ship and the expedition to bridge the gap between science and the public, and the SC plays a significant role in this effort.

Other Responsibilities

• Practical execution of scientific work, including coordinating research stations in close cooperation with the captain.
• Collecting and performing routine analysis of water samples and filtrations.
• Maintenance of scientific equipment on board, in collaboration with the ship’s Chief Engineer and representatives from the Institute of Marine Research and Kongsberg Discovery.
• Providing guidance and supervise students or volunteering scientist on board, who may also assist the SC.
• Outreach and instruction on the scientific work for: The voyage crew and permanent crew, coordinated with the ship’s Quartermaster.
• Visitors in port, coordinated with the ship’s Quartermaster and the foundation’s head of events.
• Social media, media, and press in cooperation with the ship’s content producer and the foundation’s head of communication.
• Collaborative teaching on sustainability topics with the ship’s Sustainability Officer.
• Communicating and transferring research data from ship to shore.
• Participate in the research permits application prior to the voyages and expedition. Note that the research permits will be submitted by the land‑based organisation.
• Participating in the planning of future expeditions.
• Assisting with general maintenance and sailing of the ship as time allows.

Qualifications we look for:

We seek individuals whose skills and passion align with our mission to advance ocean science and sustainability. Your expertise will be crucial in driving our initiatives forward.

We are looking for a Science Coordinator who resonates with the mission of the One Ocean Expedition.

This role is ideal for someone who is early in their career, eager to build their CV and international network within science and education and driven by a personal commitment to ocean sustainability and science communication.

Required

• Minimum MSc in marine science, oceanography, environmental science, or related field
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Ability to communicate in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish
• Ability to work at sea for extended periods
• Experience handling scientific equipment and field sampling
• Applicants must be able to obtain the required maritime medical certificate for service at sea.

Preferred

• PhD
• Experience with CTD operations
• Experience with acoustic instruments
• Science communication experience
• Programming skills
• Expedition experience
• STCW Basic Safety Training

Personal qualities are equally crucial.

Life on board means living and working closely with others, often in confined spaces.

We seek someone who is adaptable, collaborative, and able to maintain a positive attitude in variable and challenging conditions.

The Science Coordinator will also be an active member of the crew, expected to participate in daily routines and support the ship’s community spirit.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a team, values teamwork and is ready for the unique adventures, challenges and rewards of life at sea.

State-of-the-Art Research Equipment on Board

Since the One Ocean Expedition 2025-2026, the ship has been equipped with high‑quality research instruments and a data management system.

Instrumentation includes ADCPs (short and long range), hydrophones, single beam echo sounders, CTD with rosette (up to 1 200 m depth), weather station (atmosphere and surface observations), an underway sea surface monitoring SooGuard system (equivalent to Ferrybox), underway water sampling equipment, and a laboratory/office for sample collection (e.g. eDNA, microplastics, water isotopes, ...).

Instruments and sensors installed on the vessel (as per July 2026)

• Weather sensors
• Radar Precipitation Sensors
• SST skin temperature sensors
• CTD‑Rosette water sampler (max 1200 depth) with sensors for: CTD, oxygen, chlorophyll A/turbidity/backscatter, PAR, pH ...
• Scientific Echosounder EK80 with transducers (ES38/200 Combi C, ES120-7C)
• ADCP (300 kHz & 75 kHz)
• Hull-mounted hydrophones
• SooGuard (ferrybox) with sensors measuring: conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll A, phycoerythrin

Subject to agreements with research partners and charterers, data collected on board may be available for scientific publications, student supervision, and the Science Coordinator's own research projects

Position Details and Working Conditions

Starting in January 2027, we are seeking one Science Coordinator to join an existing Science Coordinator in a