1109-/1110 Researcher in coastal/marine ecology

Norway | Sept. 6, 2026

Report as Closed

Company: HAVFORSKNINGSINSTITUTTET FORSKNINGSSTASJONEN FLØDEVIGEN

Country: Norway

Type: Onsite

Employment: Full-time

Description: About the position

The Institute of Marine Research has a permanent research position available in the benthic communities department with a place of work in Flødevigen with responsibility for project management and knowledge development in projects related to the use of machine vision in ecological studies. The position will work with tomorrow's marine knowledge map for sustainable use and management of the coastal zone in Norway. This requires broad knowledge from several disciplines, including coastal zone ecology, artificial intelligence and data analysis. 

Norway has a long and varied coast with different habitats and a great need for public knowledge. Traditional ecological methods have been strengthened in recent years with a new analysis tool by integrating methods linked to camera-based monitoring and machine vision. This gives the opportunity to study benthic communities, also in the form of mobile fauna with fish and shellfish, and also integrates functional areas and behavioral biology into traditional mapping.

We are therefore looking for a researcher who can strengthen the professional group's expertise in this field in coastal research, and who will work towards the existing mapping environment on the coast of Flødevigen.

The researcher will work to operationalize and further develop camera-based methods, including both mobile camera rigs and fixed observatories for use in shallow and coastal areas. A key area of ​​responsibility will be the implementation of machine vision in the group's research and mapping projects. It will be essential that the candidate not only has knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence, but also good knowledge of ecological issues and coastal ecosystems. It will be important to establish good cooperation within the group as well as other areas of expertise in video analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence within the institute, and also with relevant national and international partners.

It is expected that the researcher will have an active role in writing applications for new projects.

It will also be expected that the researcher contributes actively in communication and consulting with public administration authorities. 

About the research group and the work we do

The benthic community conducts research, mapping and monitoring of benthic marine ecosystems from seaweed and kelp on shallow hard bottoms, to corals and soft bottom communities at great ocean depths. Knowledge of the species, their spatial distribution and ecological interaction on the seabed is important in our consultancy for the sustainable management of coastal and marine areas. Bunnsamfunn currently has 33 employees with workplaces in Bergen, Tromsø and Flødevigen. 

Qualification requirements

For this position, we are looking for a person with

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D) in marine biology, ecology or equivalent.
• Experience with interdisciplinary research projects at the intersection of marine biology and machine learning/machine vision.
• Experience with field work and research on coastal populations of fish and/or shellfish. 
• Documented ability to independently plan, carry out and publish research.
• Good written and oral skills in both Norwegian and English.

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 the institute. We assume that non-Norwegian-speaking employees complete Norwegian courses during the first two years of employment. Norwegian training will be covered by the institute after completed and passed courses.

Personal characteristics

Personality plays an important role in how one works, communicates and thrives in the workplace. For this position, we envision an employee who

• Good collaboration skills. 
• Ability to communicate well across professional environments (biology and technology).
• High degree of independence in project management. 
• Thrives in an interdisciplinary work environment. 
• Curious, proactive and creative. 
• Ability to work efficiently and results-oriented.

 

Desirable skills

• Experience with the annotation tool CVAT for image and/or video data for machine vision development.
• Experience with development, testing and implementation of machine learning models relevant to marine research (YOLO, ResNet etc.).
• Good skills in analysis and data visualization in R and Python.
• Experience with different methods of data collection (e.g. capture-based methods, tag-recapture, and camera-based surveillance).
• Experience with planning and implementation of field-based behavioral studies.
• Experience with impact studies on benthic fauna.
• Experience with consulting to national administrative authorities.
• Experience with developing new projects and writing project applications.
• International network in relevant subject areas.
• Ability to convey and communicate scientific findings both through scientific publication and communication to the general public through the media, lectures and the like.

Inclusion and diversity is a strength

The Institute of Marine Research believes that inclusion and diversity is a strength. We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply for a job with us, regardless of age, gender, functional ability, nationality or ethnic background. The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research is an IA company, and we want to facilitate the conditions for applicants with reduced functional capacity. 

If there are qualified applicants with disability, gaps in CV or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups for an interview. In order to be assessed as an applicant with the right to positive discrimination, you must meet the requirements, and tick the box that you want positive discrimination when you apply. You can read more here.

 

The application must contain

• a text in which you describe your research interests and your motivation for applying for the position. The text should not exceed one A4 page.
• full names and contact details of two or three references, preferably the main supervisor from a PhD, and/or references from other recent employment relationships
• CV, transcripts and diplomas, as well as relevant certificates
• any list of scientific publications

All documents must either be in a Scandinavian language, or in English. Candidates with documentation from foreign institutions must attach the institution's grade system explanation.

We offer:

• opportunity to work in one of Europe's leading marine research institutions
• a creative working environment
• premises in central Bergen

• flexi time scheme
• public service pension through the State Pension Fund
• company cabins, training facilities and other welfare benefits

Further information

The position is paid as xxxxxxx, in accordance with the main tariff agreements in the state, depending on your qualifications and the characteristics of the position. A 2% deposit to the State pension fund is deducted from the salary.

Applications are sent electronically via Jobbnorge. 

We point out that information about applicants may be made public, even if the applicant has asked to be excluded from the applicant list. The applicant will be informed about this in advance.

The Institute of Marine Research is subject to the regulations for export control. The regulations apply to the processing of applications for the position. 

Applicants with education from abroad may be asked to submit NOKUT approval of this. As an applicant, you may be asked to approve that the Marine Research Institute carries out a background check.

About the employer:

The Marine Research Institute is one of the largest marine research institutes in Europe, with well over 1,000 employees, a number of research facilities and laboratories of a high international standard. Our main activities are research, consultancy and monitoring. The Institute of Marine Research owns and operates eight research vessels. Our head office is in Bergen. We also have a branch in Tromsø, and research stations in Matre, Austevoll and Flødevigen. The Marine Research Institute will be a leading provider of knowledge to ensure sustainable management of the resources in the marine ecosystems, both nationally and internationally, and for the entire chain from sea to food, including the marine environment, fish nutrition and safe and healthy seafood.

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