Research Engineer in Marine Ecosystems and Global Change

Wifo; Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 520,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Umeå University invites applications for a Research Engineer to investigate the impacts of global change on marine ecosystems, with focus on (sub)Arctic and tropical latitudes. The position is full‑time for 11.5 months, with start in October 2026 or by agreement.

The role sits at Umeå Marine Sciences Centre and the Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience, joining an international team led by Prof. Nick Kamenos and Dr Heidi Burdett.

Qualifications

• We seek a Research Engineer with Masters qualification (or higher) in marine or environmental science.
• Strong background in marine / aquatic ecosystem science.
• Experience in experimental design and the collection, processing and interpretation of ecological, biogeochemical and / or physiological datasets
• Experience in the conduct of marine / aquatic mesocosm experiments and/or fieldwork
• Expertise in advanced statistical analysis
• Experience of data curation and good data governance practices
• Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written)

Responsibilities

• You will join a vibrant international team led by Prof. Nick Kamenos and Dr Heidi Burdett, with opportunities to collaborate with diverse multidisciplinary partners.
• This position will be embedded within Prof. Kamenos and Dr Burdett’s research group with close links to the EcoChange Strategic Research Area.
• The position will support research investigating how environmental change affects the functioning, resilience and ecosystem services of coastal marine ecosystems.
• This work will contribute to developing innovative, nature‑based solutions for biodiversity conservation, coastal restoration, blue carbon and sustainable management of marine environments.

Skills

Marine ecosystem science

Experimental design

Mesocosm experiments

Statistics

Data curation

English communication

Education

Master's degree in marine or environmental science

Job description

Research Engineer in Marine Ecosystems and Global Change

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world‑leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR‑Cas9 gene‑editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

We are seeking a motivated Research Engineer to investigate the impacts of global change on marine ecosystems, with a special focus on (sub)Arctic and tropical latitudes. The position is full time for 11.5 months. Expected start date is October 2026, or by agreement.

About Umeå Marine Sciences Centre and Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience

Umeå Marine Sciences Centre (UMSC) is research a collaboration hub within Umeå University and is located in Norrbyn, 40 km south of Umeå. UMSC’s strategic remit focuses on research, education, environmental monitoring and public engagement and it hosts world‑class research infrastructure and platforms including mesocosms, research vessels and a scientific diving team. Further information can be found here. UMSC is closely aligned with the Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience which conducts world‑leading research offering an excellent scientific environment and outstanding opportunities for scientists to develop and specialize in their scientific areas of interest.

Work assignments

You will join a vibrant international team led by Prof. Nick Kamenos and Dr Heidi Burdett, with opportunities to collaborate with diverse multidisciplinary partners. This position will be embedded within Prof. Kamenos and Dr Burdett’s research group with close links to the EcoChange Strategic Research Area.

The position will support research investigating how environmental change affects the functioning, resilience and ecosystem services of coastal marine ecosystems. This will combine fieldwork, laboratory experiments and computational approaches, with a particular focus on the photosynthesis, carbon cycling and biomineralisation of coastal habitats including coralline algae beds, coral reefs, seaweed stands and mangrove forests. This work will contribute to developing innovative, nature‑based solutions for biodiversity conservation, coastal restoration, blue carbon and sustainable management of marine environments.

Qualifications

We seek a Research Engineer with Masters qualification (or higher) in marine or environmental science.

• Strong background in marine / aquatic ecosystem science
• Experience in experimental design and the collection, processing and interpretation of ecological, biogeochemical and / or physiological datasets
• Experience in the conduct of marine / aquatic mesocosm experiments and/or fieldwork
• Expertise in advanced statistical analysis
• Experience of data curation and good data governance practices
• Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written)

We seek a creative, independent, and collaborative Research Engineer with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research within an international research environment. Meriting attributes would be previous experience working within a collaborative team, a driving licence and/or a proven track record in research publication and/or conference presentation.

The normal place of work will be Umeå Marine Sciences Centre.

Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.