Vacant job

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 activities 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 an experienced and nature-interested nurse who wants to participate in a scientific expedition to Björnön/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 will be a crucial part of the team's safety and health.

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 group and logistics personnel will go 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 role of expedition nurse takes place as a field expedition on Björnön in the Arctic. You will work independently in the field alongside 6 researchers for 3 weeks, with limited access to 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, establishing IV access, and maintaining an open airway.

You are expected to handle trauma as well as acute surgical and medical conditions. The work also includes assessing and treating common primary care diagnoses that are the most frequent conditions during an expedition. The major challenge is that access to diagnostic tools and equipment is very limited, and evacuation may only be possible after several days. In addition to the medical assignment, you will also perform tasks in logistical research support. Responsibilities include ensuring safety, being an armed polar bear guard, establishing field camps, managing necessary field camp duties, and supporting research activities.

The expedition lasts about 3 weeks and requires physical and mental endurance, but also 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 a specialist trained in anesthesia, ICU, or ambulance care. You have at least five years of documented clinical experience after completing your specialist training.
• Has a broad medical interest even outside your own specialty.
• Has good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• Has experience of being in nature in all seasons.
• Has experience from medical work in the field.
• Has a Swedish hunting license and extensive experience with weapon handling.
• Has participated in at least one of the medical training sessions organized by the Polar Research Secretariat.
• Is in good health and is medically approved according to the criteria for expedition participants in expeditions organized by the Polar Research Secretariat.

Meritorious

Experience from medical work outside the usual Swedish clinical everyday life is meritorious.

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 ability, 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.

Other

The employment is a seasonal position during the period July 27, 2026 – August 20, 2026, as well as about 15 days of preparation spread over 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 combine 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 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.

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