Do you want to work with Swedish marine environmental monitoring?

Are you passionate about marine chemistry, precise measurements, and data that truly makes a difference? Then this role is for you.

About the Observations Unit

The Observations Unit is part of the Department of Civil Preparedness and has a national responsibility for the management and development of Sweden's observation network. Here, expertise in monitoring, measurement, analysis, and quality assurance of meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data is gathered.

A central part of our mission is marine environmental monitoring around Sweden's coasts and seas. We conduct sampling and measurements from vessels, buoys, and fixed measuring systems. The work includes both physicochemical and biological analyses and is an important part of Sweden's commitments under HELCOM and OSPAR, on behalf of the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management and the government.

The laboratory is accredited according to ISO 17025, aiming to deliver reliable and high-quality data used for trend analyses, status assessments, and monitoring of national environmental goals.

About the Team

You will be part of the Oceanographic Laboratory, an engaged expert group consisting of chemists, oceanographers, and marine biologists. The group consists of eight employees and is characterized by an open collaborative climate, high competence, and a strong shared responsibility for quality and development. The laboratory's vision is: Through expertise, technology, and collaboration, we deliver marine environmental data, analyses, and insights that make a difference for our seas.

We work closely with the Oceanographic Measurement Technology group in the Observations Unit and the Oceanography group within the Department of Urban Planning, where we together measure, analyze, collect, and quality-check oceanographic observations. Method development is a natural part of everyday life. We continuously improve existing methods and evaluate new measurement methods for future environmental monitoring.

Job Responsibilities

As a marine chemist with us, you will have a varied and meaningful job where both the laboratory and the sea are your workplace. Your main tasks will include:

• Analyzing water samples with a focus on nutrients, but also parameters such as oxygen, alkalinity, pH, salinity, chlorophyll, humus, and eDNA
• Working with database management and contributing to the development and use of laboratory management systems (LIMS)
• Participating in sea-going work, including sampling and analysis of water samples aboard the research vessel R/V Svea
• Ensuring high quality through careful quality control, traceability, and handling of measurement uncertainty

Travel is required in the position, corresponding to 1-2 business trips to SMHI's office in Norrköping and offshore trips for marine fieldwork 6-7 expeditions per year with R/V Svea. SMHI conducts 10-12 expeditions per year, each lasting 6-8 days.

Qualifications - Required

We are looking for someone who has:

• Relevant academic degree in chemistry or marine sciences, with a focus on marine chemistry
• Experience in laboratory analysis of physical and chemical oceanographic parameters
• Experience in quality control of measurements, focusing on precision, traceability, and measurement uncertainty
• Good knowledge of Swedish and English, both spoken and written
• Good proficiency in the Office suite

Meritorious

It is a plus if you also have:

• Marine fieldwork experience, such as water sampling and measurements from vessels
• Experience in nutrient analyses, calibration, and maintenance of analytical instruments
• Experience from oceanographic measurement activities
• Work according to quality management systems, preferably ISO 17025
• Experience with LIMS, databases (e.g., SQL), and advanced data management in Excel
• Experience in processing, delivering, and presenting marine data as well as writing reports

Personal Qualities

To thrive and succeed in the role, we see that you are:

• Engaged - you are driven by environmental issues and want to contribute to societal benefit through your work
• Quality-conscious - accuracy and attention to detail are obvious to you in laboratory and analytical work
• Self-driven but collaborative - you take responsibility for your tasks and thrive in a team with diverse competencies
• Flexible - you adapt well to varying work environments, including offshore trips and fieldwork

Employment type: Permanent position

Location: Gothenburg

Application deadline: February 22, 2026

Read more about SMHI as an employer and our offerings here.

SMHI is a Swedish expert authority with a global perspective and a vital task in predicting changes in weather, water, and climate. Based on scientific grounds and through knowledge, research, and services, we contribute to increasing the sustainability of society as a whole. Every day, around the clock, year-round.

SMHI is a preparedness authority, and as an employee, you may be assigned to the authority in case of war.

The employment may involve placement in a security class. Approved security clearance with background check according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585) is a prerequisite for employment and may require Swedish citizenship.

Keep in mind that the documents and information you send to SMHI through your application become a public document. This means that all material in the application, including attachments, may need to be disclosed to anyone who requests it unless the information is covered by confidentiality according to the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act. Be mindful to primarily include information that you deem relevant in relation to the requirements of the position. Consider your privacy and avoid providing information that contains sensitive personal data, information about your or a relative's health, political opinions, or religious beliefs.