Head Chef at Tarfala Research Station

Stockholm University's Baltic Sea Centre, Tarfala Research Station (TRS) (https://www.su.se/enheter/tarfala-forskningsstation), has been operated by Stockholm University since 1961. TRS is located in the Tarfala Valley, at about 1130 meters above sea level, just east of Kebnekaise and 24 kilometers from the end of the road in Nikkaloukta. TRS has capacity for about 35 residents, a fully equipped kitchen, lecture hall, sauna, laundry room, basic laboratories, and a workshop. Every year, Swedish and international researchers and students come to TRS – mostly during the summer, but also in winter – to study the arctic alpine environment and the glaciers in the area. Stockholm University conducts both research projects and long-term observations of glaciers, watercourses, permafrost, and vegetation based at TRS.

More information about us can be found at: Stockholm University's Baltic Sea Centre (https://www.su.se/enheter/stockholms-universitets-ostersjocentrum).

Job Responsibilities

As the head chef, you are responsible for creating and serving creative menus with consideration for nutritional value, cooking techniques, economy, and transportation of ingredients to TRS. In winter, you will prepare breakfast and dinner for the staff group at TRS (about 6-8 people) and ensure that there are lunch packages to take out on long outdoor days. You will also prepare breakfast and dinner for some guest groups that come for shorter visits (max 20 people) and arrange for them to make their own lunch packages (sandwiches) at breakfast. Ordering of ingredients mainly occurs at the beginning of the winter season, with smaller additions for the ongoing season as needed. It is important to minimize food waste and to always utilize all food items as much as possible.

You also plan and order food and ingredients for the summer season (as transportation of ingredients is easier during winter).

You are also responsible for cleaning the kitchen and dining area, self-control, and ensuring that TRS complies with applicable safety, hygiene, and cleanliness standards. During peak work times, you will receive help from both staff and guests with simpler kitchen tasks such as peeling potatoes, setting the table, washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen, etc.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone with experience in similar roles in similar environments (e.g., restaurant at a mountain station or island) and who is self-assured, as well as able to prepare vegetarian, vegan, and special diets within the framework of TRS's possibilities. It is advantageous if you have education and experience in restaurant or large kitchen settings, including menu planning and ordering ingredients. Since you have overall responsibility for the kitchen and must be able to handle all kitchen tasks independently, it is important that you are self-sufficient. The staff at the research station forms a small team that must be able to collaborate well, which is why we require good teamwork skills, flexibility, and responsiveness. Personal suitability is highly valued.

You can express yourself fluently in both spoken and written Swedish and English. Training in CPR and first aid treatment in terrain is a plus.

About the Employment

The work periods are from February 27 to March 31 and from April 1 to April 30, 2026. You will work five days a week and have two days off, but not necessarily on weekends. You are responsible for managing your working hours throughout the day to ensure you have a proper break between breakfast and dinner and do not work overtime. You will live in your own room in the staff house at the research station with the rest of the workgroup. There is a nice community and a friendly atmosphere here.

Employment Conditions, Travel to TRS, and Accommodation

The employment is temporary. Meals and accommodation are included but are subject to tax benefits. Arrival and departure days are outside the employment period and do not count as working days. Travel expenses are reimbursed up to a maximum of 3,000 SEK for round-trip travel to Nikkaluokta.

The position is full-time and temporary. Stockholm University applies individual salary setting. Start date according to agreement.

We Offer

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information can be obtained from Tarfala Station Manager Johanna Dahlkvist, phone 072-145 34 26, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and that it is received by the university no later than the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: Application to Stockholm University (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

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