Research Assistant for the Population Analysis and Monitoring Unit

The Swedish Museum of Natural History is a government agency with a mission from the government to promote knowledge, research, and interest in our world. The agency is a prominent research institution and Sweden's largest museum. For over 200 years, the museum has collected objects and data and conducted research on life on Earth. The collections contain more than 11 million plants, animals, fungi, environmental samples, minerals, and fossils. All research and knowledge are shared in exhibitions, Cosmonova, and activities at the museum and digitally.

The Population Analysis and Monitoring Unit carries out assignments for several authorities and organizations. The unit consists of several working groups that monitor both marine and terrestrial mammals and conduct a large number of genetic analyses. The unit monitors harbor porpoises and seals on behalf of the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management and monitors bears, golden eagles, and arctic foxes on behalf of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The genetic analyses are performed by the Center for Genetic Identification (CGI) for various actors in nature and environmental conservation and encompass a wide range of questions.

We are now seeking a research assistant for our work with national environmental monitoring of marine mammals. The position is a central part of Sweden's long-term monitoring of seals and harbor porpoises, where you will contribute to collecting, quality-assuring, and analyzing data that forms the basis for research, management, and environmental policy decisions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

You will work in a team responsible for planning, implementing, and reporting on national environmental monitoring of seals and harbor porpoises. The main tasks include:

• Fieldwork from boats, helicopters, and planes
• Logistical and practical execution of fieldwork
• Photographing seals and subsequent counting of seals in the captured images
• Locating seal resting places
• Handling and processing of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) instruments and data
• Data processing, data entry, and documentation
• Contributing to the development of reports, method descriptions, and documentation for monitoring
• Collaborating with other groups within the Swedish Museum of Natural History and external actors
• Contributing to the overall goals of the group.

Weather-dependent fieldwork is conducted along the entire Swedish coast, during specific periods of 2-14 days, up to eight times a year. Work may occur outside regular working hours, including weekends and holidays. Since the work is carried out on planes and boats, one must be able to handle potential seasickness.

At the Swedish Museum of Natural History, you will become part of an engaged team working to increase knowledge about our marine mammals and their habitats. You will have the opportunity to combine fieldwork and data management and contribute to national environmental monitoring of marine mammals.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for someone with a bachelor's degree in natural sciences. A master's degree in natural sciences is an advantage. Solid experience in fieldwork and working according to established routines and guidelines, as well as following protocols, is required, as is experience in contributing to the compilation of reports and protocols. Good proficiency in the MS Office basic package and experience in data management are also required. A valid driver's license (B) and good knowledge of Swedish and English, both spoken and written, are mandatory.

Experience working on boats and/or in aircraft/helicopters is advantageous. Experience in inventory work of marine mammals and planning or organizing field excursions is also beneficial. Familiarity with GIS and programming, as well as CPOD.exe or equivalent, is also advantageous, as is experience in producing high-quality reproducible datasets.

We seek someone who is meticulous and flexible and has good teamwork skills. You identify, manage, and follow up on details in your work and ensure that nothing is left to chance or overlooked. You easily adapt your working methods to changing conditions and act selflessly in the face of changes. You pay attention to others' opinions and expertise and give them space in the group in a way that benefits the whole, while sharing your knowledge.

OTHER

Our goal is to demonstrate the way to increased knowledge and action through research and public activities, so that together we can contribute to a sustainable and bright future. Our long-term aim is for the employees of the Swedish Museum of Natural History to reflect the diversity present in Sweden. We welcome all applicants regardless of gender, background, origin, and ability.

In preparation for the recruitment process, we have made decisions regarding recruitment channels and marketing. Therefore, we kindly ask for no contact from media sellers, recruitment sites, or similar.