Research Leader in Nuclear Explosion Detection

The Total Defence Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. The research spans several areas, including underwater, cyber defense, space, electronic warfare, sensor systems, civil defense, CBRNe (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive substances), military platforms including weapons and protection, as well as security policy analysis. FOI's research plays a key role in building Sweden's defense capability.

Do you want to be part of a knowledgeable team leading Sweden's research on nuclear explosion detection? Do you want to work with applied research? Are you also knowledgeable in seismo-acoustics and want to help develop and evaluate analysis methods to characterize and locate events based on seismo-acoustic signals? Then you may be the perfect candidate for the role of researcher in the nuclear detection unit! Take the next step in your career and contribute to meaningful research and societal benefit.

About the Position

In the role of researcher in nuclear explosion detection, you will work with waveform data analysis to detect explosions and other events.

The work encompasses knowledge of the entire chain from an event occurring to reporting to the client. Your tasks include the development and evaluation of data analysis methods to characterize and locate events using seismo-acoustic signals both in the ground (seismology) and in the atmosphere (infrasound). Practical work in the form of operation and development of both existing and future seismo-acoustic measurement stations and/or detection systems will also be part of your tasks. You will work with research and monitoring, as well as possibly investigative work.

The operation collaborates closely with international organizations, institutions in other countries, as well as universities and other authorities in Sweden. Within this framework, you will participate in national and international meetings. Fieldwork may also be relevant.

The placement is in Kista, Stockholm. The work involves travel, but not regularly.

About the Unit

You will be part of the Nuclear Detection Unit, which belongs to the CBRN Protection and Security Department.

In the unit, we conduct research and development on systems for detecting signals from nuclear explosions and other nuclear events, e.g., measurement of radionuclides or seismo-acoustic waves. We also operate a data center, a network of measurement stations, and are part of the national radiation protection preparedness. The work performed within the operation is for both national needs and internationally, primarily for the verification of nuclear-related agreements.

Within the department's areas of operation, we provide technical expert support to the government, the Government Offices, the Armed Forces, and other relevant authorities within total defense.

Read more about what we do: https://www.foi.se/om-foi/organisation/cbrn-skydd-och-sakerhet.html (https://www.foi.se/om-foi/organisation/cbrn-skydd-och-sakerhet.html).

Do You Have the Competence Profile We Need?

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a master's degree, or a degree that the employer assesses is equivalent, in seismology, infrasound analysis, or a related field deemed relevant by the employer.
• Has experience in calculations and programming.
• Expresses themselves well in both spoken and written Swedish and English.

Desirable

It is desirable if you have:

• A PhD in seismology, infrasound analysis, or another focus area that the employer assesses is relevant for this position.
• A PhD or relevant training in signal analysis.
• Industry experience or work experience in detection seismology.
• Familiarity with working in a Linux environment.
• Experience handling large data volumes.
• Experience in experimental work in the field and/or laboratory.
• A developed network in the field.

As a person, you have good collaboration skills. You are self-driven and take responsibility for your work, which you plan, organize, and document. To succeed in this position, we see that you have good problem-solving analytical skills and that you are goal-oriented. We place great emphasis on your personal qualities.

What Do We Offer You?

The Total Defence Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. We offer a unique workplace where you can work on what is important for total defense and society as a whole. The research is applied both within defense authorities and among civil actors and plays a crucial role in building a relevant and effective defense capability.

We consciously work for a good working environment with a good balance between work and private life. In addition, we offer a range of benefits. Read more about what it is like to work with us: https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html)

The position is a permanent employment that may start with a six-month probationary period.

Do You Want to Help Find Answers for a Safer World?

Welcome with your application in the form of a CV and cover letter via the application button no later than April 7, 2026!

For more information about the position, you are welcome to contact unit manager Peder Andersson. Union representatives are Sofia Jonasson (Saco-S) and Petrus Hemström (OFR/S – ST at FOI). All can be reached at 08-555 030 00.

As the employment is placed in a security class, Swedish citizenship is required. A security review with a background check will be conducted before employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). For the security review, certified copies of relevant education and service certificates will be requested.

FOI is an authority where submitted application documents become public documents that can be disclosed to outsiders upon request according to the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act.

Offers from recruitment companies are not welcome.