Acoustician / Researcher in Underwater Acoustics

IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet; Fiskebäckskil; On-site; SEK 520,000 - 760,000; Full time

Job summary

IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet invites applications for a position in underwater acoustics. The role focuses on planning and coordinating field measurements, developing methods for analysing and modelling underwater sound, and contributing to marine environment research projects.

You will join the Process Modelling and Digitalisation group, Göteborg and Fiskebäckskil based, with flexibility for other IVL offices.

Qualifications

• You should hold at least an MSc degree in engineering, physics, oceanography, marine science or a related field.
• Relevant experience may include: Acoustics, Signal processing, Programming, Marine measurements, Modelling, Environmental analysis.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate field measurements of underwater sound.
• Analyse and model underwater acoustics data.
• Collaborate with clients, partners and colleagues across projects.
• Contribute to research and innovation projects focused on the marine environment.

Skills

Acoustics

Signal Processing

Programming

Marine Measurements

Modelling

Environmental Analysis

Education

MSc degree

Job description

IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute is an independent research institute with Sweden’s broadest environmental profile. Together with industry, public agencies, and the research community, we drive the transition to a sustainable society, from science to real-world impact. We operate across the full environmental and sustainability spectrum, and our activities are organized into several larger areas that bring together related expertise and perspectives.

About the Role

IVL’s activities in underwater acoustics are expanding through several new large-scale projects, and we are looking to strengthen our acoustics team. Depending on your interests, qualifications and experience, your work may include applying and developing methods for analysing and modelling underwater sound, planning and conducting field measurements, and contributing to research and innovation projects focused on the marine environment.

We welcome applications from both early-career and experienced professionals, and the scope and level of responsibility in the role will be adapted to the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

We are looking for a colleague who can plan and coordinate field measurements of underwater sound. Depending on your previous experience, you will either develop these skills with support from experienced team members or take a leading role from the outset. The role involves extensive collaboration with clients, partners and colleagues, requiring strong organisational skills, flexibility and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

Prior experience in underwater acoustics is not required. What matters most is a solid technical foundation and a willingness to learn. You will become part of a highly experienced team that will support your development in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

Underwater acoustics shares many principles with airborne acoustics, but it is a younger field with fewer established standards. This means that you will often need to apply sound technical judgement rather than follow fixed methods. The role offers considerable scope for creativity, supported by close collaboration within an experienced and supportive team.

Much of our work focuses on solving practical technical and engineering challenges rather than purely acoustical ones. Therefore, curiosity, problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn are just as important as previous acoustics experience.

Current projects include developing a new measurement system for ship underwater noise (InciteShip) and creating innovative methods for mapping underwater noise from boats in coastal environments (DEMASK). These projects combine fieldwork, advanced measurements, modelling and international collaboration.

IVL is a project-oriented organisation where work is planned and executed through projects. At any given time, you will typically work in several parallel projects. You will mainly contribute to research projects, but also to commissioned assignments, often in cross-disciplinary teams.

Many projects involve close collaboration with marine biologists studying the environmental effects of underwater noise. An interest in understanding and reducing these impacts is therefore important.

You will be part of the Process Modelling and Digitalisation group. The underwater acoustics team is based in Göteborg and Fiskebäckskil, but for the right candidate it may be possible to be based at another IVL office.

Your Background

You should hold at least an MSc degree in engineering, physics, oceanography, marine science or a related field.

Relevant experience may include:

• Acoustics
• Signal processing
• Programming
• Marine measurements
• Modelling
• Environmental analysis

An interest in practical fieldwork is valuable, as it is an important part of most of our underwater acoustics projects. Experience from marine environments, whether through boating, studies or professional experience, is also considered an advantage.

We welcome applications from both early-career and experienced professionals:

For a junior role

• Research experience is an advantage but not required.
• Experience from project-based environments is beneficial.

For a senior role

• A PhD and documented research experience within a relevant discipline are expected.
• Experience in leading research projects, coordinating work packages, participating in international collaborations and securing research funding is highly valued.

We welcome English-speaking candidates. However, proficiency in Swedish is considered an advantage, particularly for external collaboration and stakeholder interactions.

Your Personal Qualities

We place great emphasis on personal qualities. You are proactive, responsible and well structured, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Curiosity, initiative and a strong willingness to learn are essential for success in this role. Just as importantly, you will enjoy working in a positive, ambitious and collaborative team environment where people support one another and enjoy tackling new challenges together.

What We Offer You

You will join one of the leading underwater acoustics research teams in the Nordic region, with extensive experience, strong international networks and a growing portfolio of impactful projects.

At IVL, you will work in a creative, knowledge-driven environment with considerable personal responsibility and excellent opportunities for professional development. You will collaborate with experts from a wide range of disciplines and contribute to projects that support sustainable management of marine environments.

We offer an inclusive and engaging workplace that values diversity, collaboration, innovation and commitment. Employees can take part in a range of social initiatives, including a sports club, an art association and other community activities. We work in modern activity-based offices and foster a culture of knowledge-sharing, flexibility and wellbeing. At IVL, sustainability is not just something we talk about, it is at the core of everything we do.