Expedition Nurse to the Arctic

The Polar Research Secretariat is a government agency that promotes and coordinates Swedish polar research. The agency is responsible for long-term planning of research and research infrastructure as well as organizing and conducting research expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica.

The agency's overarching goal is to contribute to increased international impact for Swedish polar research through collaboration, high-quality research infrastructure, and international partnerships.

The operations include, among others, the Abisko Scientific Station, Kristineberg Marine Research Station, the icebreaker Oden, as well as the Swedish research stations Wasa and Svea in Antarctica. The Polar Research Secretariat has about 50 employees and is located in Luleå, Abisko, Helsingborg, and Fiskebäckskil.

The Polar Research Secretariat is now seeking an experienced and nature-loving nurse who wants to participate in a scientific expedition to the Arctic during July-August 2026. This is a unique assignment for those who want to combine their medical expertise with a passion for challenging environments, where nature sets the limits and you can be a crucial part of the team's safety and health.

The expedition we are currently recruiting for aims to investigate the seabed in the Central Arctic Ocean to lay a fiber optic cable system by 2030. The nurse selected for this position will fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen in Svalbard and board the icebreaker Oden around July 24. The research expedition will then last for 2 weeks, and around August 10, the nurse will disembark from the icebreaker Oden in Longyearbyen to fly home via Oslo.

Job Responsibilities

The role of expedition nurse takes place in the Arctic aboard the icebreaker Oden. You will be the medical officer on board during the expedition. On board, there will be researchers from several different countries, crew, and staff from the Polar Research Secretariat, totaling about 45 people. There is the possibility of medical consultation via the internet or satellite phone.

Your role is to assess, treat, and stabilize medical conditions on site. You should have extensive experience in sedation, pain relief, mixing medications, establishing IV access, and maintaining airway patency. Together with the captain on board and the expedition leader, you will conduct a medical evacuation (MedEvac) if necessary.

You are expected to handle trauma as well as acute surgical and medical conditions. The work also includes assessing and treating everyday primary care diagnoses, which are the most common conditions during an expedition. The major challenge is that access to diagnostic aids and equipment is very limited, and evacuation may not be possible for several days. In addition to the medical assignment, you will also perform tasks in logistical research support.

The expedition lasts for 2 weeks and requires physical and mental endurance, but also offers unforgettable experiences in some of the world's most spectacular and isolated environments.

Requirements

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a Swedish nursing license and is specialized in anesthesia, intensive care, or ambulance care. You have at least five years of documented clinical experience after completing your specialist training.
• Has a broad medical interest beyond your own specialty.
• Has good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• Has experience of being in nature in all seasons. Experience from medical work outside the usual Swedish clinical setting is an advantage.
• Has participated in at least one of the medical training meetings organized by the Polar Research Secretariat.
• Is in good health and meets the medical criteria for expedition participants in expeditions organized by the Polar Research Secretariat.

Meritorious

Experience from medical work outside the usual Swedish clinical setting is an advantage.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is confident in their professional role and thrives in an environment where conditions can change rapidly. You work independently, have good decision-making skills, and collaborate well with others. You have good professional judgment and the ability to act calmly and systematically even in pressured situations. The work also requires physical endurance, as the position may involve staying in demanding climatic conditions and under simpler living conditions.

Other

The employment is a seasonal position during the period of July 24, 2026 – August 10, 2026, as well as one weekend in the spring.

Location: icebreaker Oden/Arctic

The Polar Research Secretariat strives for diversity, where our employees' backgrounds, experiences, knowledge, and personalities enrich our operations. It is also important to us that employees have the opportunity to balance work and private life.

Contact Persons

Information about the position is provided by Åsa Lindgren, 070-785 56 01 or Agnetha Folestad, [email protected]

If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact the HR manager, Rina Lindeström [email protected].

Union representative: Annika Kristoffersson, OFR/ST, phone 072-554 72 17

Interested?

Apply via the Polar Research Secretariat's recruitment system. Applications must be submitted by February 16.
Reference number 2026-23

We have made decisions regarding recruitment channels and marketing for this recruitment and therefore decline offers of advertising and recruitment assistance.