Quantitative Researcher in Method Development and Stock Assessment

1000scholars; Bergen; On-site; NOK 12,000 - 13,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute of Marine Research in Bergen is seeking a research scientist to advance stock assessment method development. You will collaborate with multiple research groups to develop quantitative models and analyze diverse fisheries data.

The role requires a PhD in a quantitative field, strong R and TMB/RTMB skills, and experience with stock assessment. Norwegian language courses are supported; salary follows government scales. This is a permanent position in Norway.

Qualifications

• PhD in mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, fisheries science, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Academic background must include university-level coursework in statistics and biology.
• Fluency in R and TMB or RTMB is a prerequisite.
• Documented experience with stock assessment, either operational or research-based.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing statistical models using TMB or RTMB, applied to fisheries science.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Experience with version control systems (Git).

Responsibilities

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating quantitative methods for stock assessment (e.g. statistical catch-at-age models, state-space models, biomass dynamic models).
• Analysing fisheries and survey data (including catch, effort, and biological data) using traditional approaches and novel methods such as drone-based acoustics and imagery.
• Designing and implementing simulation and sensitivity analyses to evaluate model performance and management strategies (e.g. MSE).
• Collaborating with stock-responsible scientists to develop and implement new features in existing assessment models on a stock-by-stock basis.

Skills

Fluent English

Communication skills

R programming

Education

PhD in mathematics or statistics or biostatistics or fisheries science

Tools

TMB/RTMB

Git

R

Job description

About the Position

The Research Group Fisheries has an immediate opening for a permanent position as a research scientist working on stock assessment method development. Although the position is formally placed within the Fisheries group, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with multiple research groups (demersal, pelagic, deep-sea fish, crustaceans and others) that are engaged in, and have a need for, the development and refinement of stock assessment modelling methods.

Workplace is in Bergen.

Main tasks

The successful candidate will contribute to statistical method development in fisheries science, with a particular focus on stock assessment. Key responsibilities include:

• developing, implementing, and evaluating quantitative methods for stock assessment (e.g. statistical catch-at-age models, state-space models, biomass dynamic models);
• analysing fisheries and survey data (including catch, effort, and biological data) collected using both traditional approaches and novel methodologies such as drone-based acoustics, imagery, and related technologies;
• contributing to the design and implementation of simulation and sensitivity analyses to evaluate model performance and management strategies (e.g. MSE).

The position also includes staying up to date with international, state-of-the-art approaches by actively participating in relevant ICES expert and methods groups (e.g. MGWG, WKLIFE and others).

The candidate will work closely with stock-responsible scientists to develop, adapt, and implement new features in existing assessment models, as needed and on a stock-by-stock basis.

Qualification Requirements

• PhD in mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, fisheries science, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Academic background must include university-level coursework in both statistics and biology.
• Demonstrated fluency in R and TMB (Template Model Builder) or RTMB is a prerequisite.
• Documented experience with stock assessment, either operational or research-based (e.g. first author of stock assessment deliverables, or co-author with a clear description of specific contributions).
• Proven experience in developing and implementing statistical models using TMB or RTMB, applied to fisheries science or closely related topics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g. Git).

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.

Desired competencies

• Experience with stock assessment tools commonly used in Norway and within ICES (e.g. SAM, SPiCT, SS3) is an advantage, but not a requirement.
• Experience in developing and fitting spatio-temporal models is an advantage.
• Experience with Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) is an advantage.
• Experience with project management

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 the action in your application. You can read more here.

Aditional information

The Institute of Marine Research offers a government-regulated salary as 1109/1110/1183 research scientist depending on qualifications, an excellent pension scheme through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and other welfare benefits (see www.spk.no/en for more information).

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.

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.

Contact

• Phone: [phone]
• E-mail: [e-mail]

You can also visit our web site at www.hi.no/en

Application deadline: 8. november, 2026.