Senior Staff Scientist in Marine Science

Wifo; Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Wifo at Umeå University seeks a Senior Staff Scientist in Marine Science to coordinate research, education, and environmental monitoring efforts. This full-time position offers the chance to work at a world-class research facility focused on making impactful contributions to marine science.

The role starts in August 2026, requiring a PhD in marine science, and promises an engaging environment that promotes education and research collaboration across multiple platforms.

Qualifications

• PhD in marine science required.
• Experience in managing personnel and operational activities.
• Fluency in English and ability to communicate scientific terminology.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operations and personnel of UMSC.
• Implement educational initiatives with international institutions.
• Ensure budgetary compliance for UMSC activities.

Skills

Operational coordination

Advanced leadership

Marine science knowledge

Project management

Education

PhD in marine science

Tools

Research vessels

Autonomous underwater vehicles

Remote sensing

Job description

Senior Staff Scientist in Marine Science

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.

Umeå Marine Sciences Centre (UMSC) seeks a Senior Staff Scientist in the role of operational and educational coordinator. The position is full‑time for an indefinite period starting in August 2026, or according to agreement.

Description and qualification requirements

Umeå Marine Sciences Centre (UMSC) is an infrastructure 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. UMSC hosts world‑class research infrastructure and platforms including mesocosms, research vessels and a scientific diving team. Further information can be found here.

As Senior Staff Scientist you will be responsible for planning and coordinating the operational activities of UMSC, including personnel, within our portfolio of research, education and environmental monitoring. You will perform a key function in dialogues with on‑site staff, visiting groups and enhancing UMSC’s ability to provide solutions to environmental grand challenges. You will also support the development of strategies to enhance the future function of the organisation.

Duties

• Coordinate the operations and personnel of UMSC including research, education and monitoring (e.g. research vessel operations, implementation of research‑led educational initiatives, alignment of EU & Swedish funded research project activities with other operational priorities).
• Develop UMSC as an infrastructure through activity alignment with the UMSC vision & mission, UMSC’s strategic direction, UMSC’s university instruction, development of cutting‑edge methodologies and renewal of infrastructure.
• Initiate and develop educational initiatives based at UMSC with both international and national institutions (e.g. attracting new educational groups).
• Assess the feasibility of research project and educational requests, planning and assembling project groups and follow up project implementation.
• Implement UMSC operational activities while maintaining budgetary compliance including relevant budgetary responsibilities.
• Provide “hands‑on” operational expertise where needed.
• Participate in internal leadership meetings, as well as representing UMSC externally where necessary.

Tasks may vary over time and other tasks related to duties described above may be included.

Qualification requirements

For employment as a Senior Staff Scientist, a PhD in marine science (e.g. marine biology, oceanography or equivalent) is required. Furthermore, in‑depth knowledge and extensive experience in marine science are required, as well as a very good knowledge of underlying theories and principles. This includes special competence linked to the development and application of advanced methods including implementation of cutting‑edge technology in marine science (for example – but not limited to; autonomous underwater vehicles, remote sensing, hyperspectral imaging, analytical pipelines). In particular, for this coordination role, it is also required that you have:

• Evidenced experience of establishing, developing and operating research infrastructure.
• Evidenced experience of advanced leadership/coordination work with research infrastructure, such as work management, budget planning and responsibility, coordination, collaboration, reporting and grant application/funding experience.
• Evidenced experience in managing personnel and working with work environment issues.
• Ability to work as part of a team and also to work and plan independently.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) including the ability to communicate using scientific, educational and technical terminology.
• A driving license.

Meriting Criteria

• Post‑doctoral experience in marine science (e.g. marine biology, oceanography), or equivalent.
• Scientific production and contributions to the development of the scientific field, for example through publications in highly cited scientific journals that apply peer review.
• Experience planning research vessel‑based scientific and educational activities.
• Experience of developing and carrying out teaching, such as courses, lectures, workshops and demonstrations at different educational levels for different target groups.
• Experience of outreach activities, such as participating in and giving presentations at conferences, producing scientific reports and presentations, participating in national or international networks, or popular science activities.
• Experience of collaborating with external stakeholders, e.g. industry, municipalities or businesses.
• Experience of financial work, such as budgeting, financial monitoring/reporting, and issues related to financing operations.
• Experience attending and/or planning international scientific meetings (e.g. conferences).

Great importance will be placed on personal suitability.

Terms and conditions

This is a full‑time position and a probationary period may apply. Expected start date for position will be October 2026 or according to agreement.

Application

Apply via our e‑recruitment system Varbi no later than July 31st 2026. The application must include:

• A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your academic education and previous employment.
• A publication list including DOIs where relevant.
• Certified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades.
• Copy of doctoral thesis.
• Any other relevant documentation that you wish to submit to support your application.

For further information and questions regarding the position, please contact Nick Kamenos, Director of UMSC; [e-mail]

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.