Join NILU and shape the future of Arctic environmental research!
NILU is looking for a senior research scientist to strengthen and expand our activities in Arctic environmental science, particularly within environmental chemistry, contaminants, emerging pollutants, and cutting-edge data analysis. We are seeking an experienced, scientifically ambitious and team-work oriented scientist whose expertise complements our scientific profile.
You are motivated to turn scientific ideas into externally funded research projects, build strong partnerships, and generate scientific knowledge with societal impact. Together with colleagues across NILU and our partners at the Fram Centre, you will contribute to shape future research and build a strong project portfolio within Arctic environmental research.
About NILU in Tromsø
NILU is a member of the Fram Centre, the national centre for climate and environmental research in the North. Our location at the Fram Centre building in Tromsø gives us direct access to an international and interdisciplinary environment, where collaboration with other members supports research on climate and environmental challenges in the Arctic and northern regions.
The Tromsø section is part of NILU’s Department of Environmental Chemistry and Health Effects, which develops knowledge, methods and tools that support policy, regulation and society’s green transition. In Tromsø, we are experts on environmental chemical analysis, microplastic pollution, contaminants, and Arctic environmental research. We also have modern laboratory facilities, including cleanroom facilities.
About the position
You will be a key driving force in strengthening NILU’s long-term research capacity in Tromsø. You will do this by developing competitive research projects, establishing strategic collaborations, and expanding the externally funded project portfolio.
The work will take place in close collaboration with environmental chemists, laboratory engineers, environmental data scientists, toxicologists, biologists, and other researchers at NILU and the Fram Centre.
As an independent research institute, NILU develops much of its research through competitive national and international funding. Success in this role therefore combines scientific excellence with the ability to build partnerships and develop externally funded research.
This is a permanent position reporting to Head of section at NILU Tromsø.
Duties of the position
- leading and contributing to competitive research proposals
- leading and managing research projects and/or work packages
- building partnerships within the Fram Centre, and externally with authorities, industries, and other national and international networks
- collaborating closely with scientists, laboratory engineers and data scientists at NILU in Tromsø and Kjeller
- analysing, interpreting, publishing and disseminating scientific results
- strengthening and developing NILU’s research within environmental chemistry, contaminants, environmental monitoring and Arctic environmental challenges
- strengthening NILU's scientific visibility and collaborations within the Fram Centre and beyond
- helping to build a collaborative, ambitious and long-term research environment in Tromsø
Qualifications
We welcome applicants with expertise in environmental chemistry or related fields who can strengthen and broaden our research activities and scientific perspectives. This may include:
- environmental and analytical chemistry, contaminants, chemicals of emerging concern, non-target or suspect screening, or microplastics
- Arctic environmental research, environmental monitoring, trend analysis, exposure and fate modelling, or risk assessment
- environmental data science like cheminformatics, biostatistics, machine learning or AI applied to environmental research
- ecotoxicology, ecology, in-silico modelling, science-policy interaction, or stakeholder-oriented research
This is intended as a guide rather than a checklist. We do not expect any candidate to cover all these areas. Above all, we are looking for scientific excellence, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to turn innovative research ideas into successful projects.
You should have:
- a PhD in a relevant field and a scientific profile relevant to NILU's work on Arctic environmental science, environmental chemistry, digital environmental research or related fields
- documented success in developing competitive research proposals and securing external funding
- experience with project leadership, work package leadership or coordination of research activities
- a solid publication record
- good written and oral communication skills in English
- ability to work independently and as part of interdisciplinary teams
- motivation to contribute actively to NILU’s shared project portfolio and scientific development in Tromsø
It is an advantage if you have relevant national or international networks, experience with laboratory-based environmental research or have worked in close collaboration with analytical laboratories. Knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is also a plus, but not a requirement.
Personal qualities
We are looking for a colleague who:
- has scientific curiosity, energy and drive
- is proactive, follows through and enjoys developing ideas into concrete projects
- is motivated to develop new scientific knowledge including proposal writing and project leadership
- enjoys collaborating across disciplines, organisations and locations
- shares competence and contributes to a good working environment
- communicates clearly with both scientific and non-scientific partners
- is comfortable taking initiative and involving others
We offer
At NILU, we work towards our common future. Our research will contribute to a good climate, healthy environment, and sustainable societal solutions. This means that work is more than just work; what we do each day makes a difference.
At the same time, we believe in a healthy balance between work and leisure. We offer flexible working hours, work-from-home agreements, subsidized fitness training, and excellent pension and insurance schemes. The salary is competitive.
During a working day at NILU, you will encounter:
- An international and interdisciplinary environment with pleasant colleagues from all over the world
- Great creativity and generous sharing of knowledge
- Broad experience and excellent opportunities for professional development
- A global network of partners
Most of our approximately 190 employees work at the main office in Kjeller, a short train ride from Oslo. We also have offices in Tromsø and Trondheim, and a subsidiary in Gothenburg.
Meet Cleo and Natascha - promoting both the NILU office in Tromsø - and the city of Tromsø!
Cleo and Natascha promotes both the NILU office in Tromsø - and the city of Tromsø!
Questions about the position
Please submit a cover letter and attach a CV with relevant diplomas and certificates.
If you have any questions about the position, you are welcome to contact Research Director Pernilla Bohlin Nizzetto by email at pbn@nilu.no or by phone at +47 47 957 867.
If you have any questions about living and working in Tromsø, you are welcome to contact two of our researchers: Cleo Davie-Martin (cldm@nilu.no) or Natascha Schmidt (nsch@nilu.no).
About NILU
NILU is a Norwegian, independent climate and environmental research institute founded in 1969.
We started as an air research institute, but have since expanded and today conduct research on almost all aspects of how people, climate and the environment affect each other.
Our goal is a better quality of life for everyone. We contribute to this through our research on atmospheric composition, climate change, air quality, environmental contaminants, health effects, sustainable systems, circular economy and digitalisation. Together, this enables sustainable solutions to current challenges facing society and industry.
NILU is run as a non-profit foundation. This means that all surplus funds are reinvested in the operation and development of research services that benefit society.
We also place great emphasis on open research, open publishing and open-source code, because knowledge is meant to be shared.
Our greatest strength lies in our outstanding employees. They help ensure that NILU holds a leading position both nationally and internationally, and that we have a welcoming and positive working environment.
At NILU, all employees are equal, regardless of gender, age, functional ability, faith or belief, language, culture or sexual orientation. We respect and value individual qualities and do not accept any form of discrimination. Everyone is welcome here.
Are you our new colleague? We look forward to hearing from you.