Logistics Personnel Wanted for Scientific Expedition to Björnön/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 other things, 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 experienced logistics personnel for work on a scientific expedition to Björnön/Arctic during July-August 2026. This is a unique assignment for those who want to combine their technical skills and field experience with a passion for challenging environments. The expedition starts around July 27 in Tromsø when you board the Swedish research vessel R/V Skagerak. Just over a day later, you will reach Björnön, and when the weather permits, the research team and logistics personnel will be taken ashore with a smaller RIB boat. After that, approximately 3 weeks will be spent on Björnön, mainly in tents, before R/V Skagerak meets up again around August 18.

Job Responsibilities

The assignment takes place during an expedition to Björnön, and you will work alongside 6 researchers and an experienced expedition nurse who is also the expedition leader. Your tasks will include assisting in the field camp with various duties, acting as a polar bear guard, and assisting researchers with their sampling.

Requirements

We are looking for someone who has:

• experience working in the Arctic in the field
• good weapon handling skills and experience working with polar bear protection
• strong collaboration and communication skills
• the ability to handle complexity and uncertain factors
• good knowledge of Swedish and English, both written and spoken.
• experience with polar research expeditions

Desirable Qualifications

It is a plus if you have good experience handling RIB boats and suspended loads.

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 structured even in pressured situations. The work 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 during the period of July 27, 2026 – August 20, 2026, as well as about 10 days of preparation in the spring.

Location: Björnön/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 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?

Apply via the Polar Research Secretariat's recruitment system. Applications must be received by February 16.
Dnr 2026-25

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