Technician Wanted for Icebreaker Oden for the Canada-Sweden Arctic Ocean Expedition 2026

The Swedish 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, and 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 technician to work on the icebreaker Oden during the Canada-Sweden Arctic Ocean 2026 expedition. This is a unique assignment for those who want to combine their technical skills with a passion for challenging environments. This expedition is a joint mission with Canada to investigate the seabed in the Central Arctic Ocean. The selected technician will fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen in Svalbard and board the icebreaker Oden around August 10, 2026. The research expedition will last for 6 weeks, with a research school on board, and around September 20, the technician will disembark the icebreaker Oden in Longyearbyen to fly home via Oslo.

Job Responsibilities

The technician's role will take place on board the icebreaker Oden during a research expedition in the Arctic. On board, there will be researchers from several different countries, crew members, and staff from the Polar Research Secretariat, totaling about 75 people. You will work alongside other technicians in a research-supporting capacity, for example, by operating winches to facilitate various sampling.

Requirements

• experience in technology and research infrastructures
• relevant education or equivalent knowledge acquired in other ways
• good ability to collaborate and communicate
• ability to handle complexity and uncertain factors in planning work
• good knowledge of Swedish and English, both written and spoken
• experience working in marine environments, polar regions, or other extreme environments
• experience in polar research expeditions
• experience working in a research environment
• experience working on icebreakers

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 job also requires physical endurance, as the position may involve staying in demanding climate conditions and under simpler living conditions. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Other Information

The employment is a seasonal position from August 9, 2026, to September 20, 2026.

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 for us that employees have the opportunity to combine work and private life.

Contact Persons

Information about the position can be obtained from Åsa Lindgren, 070-785 56 01

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?

Please apply via the Polar Research Secretariat's recruitment system. Applications must be submitted by February 16.

Reference number 2026-26

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