Vacant job

The Polar Secretariat is a government agency that promotes and coordinates Swedish polar research. The agency is responsible for the long-term planning of research and research infrastructure, as well as organizing and conducting research expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic.

The agency's overarching goal is to contribute to increased international visibility for Swedish polar research through collaboration, high-quality research infrastructure, and international partnerships.

The operations include, among other things, the Abisko Scientific Research Station, the Kristineberg Marine Research Station, the icebreaker Oden, and the Swedish research stations Wasa and Svea in Antarctica. The Polar Secretariat has approximately 50 employees and is located in Luleå, Abisko, Helsingborg, and Fiskebäckskil.

The Polar Secretariat is now seeking a Field Technician for an expedition to Antarctica 2026/2027 for the Land-based Research Support unit.

Land-based Research Support Unit

The Land-based Research Support unit is responsible for promoting and coordinating land-based polar research and supporting research projects in the field. A central part of the unit's operations is the operation and development of the Abisko Scientific Research Station, which is an internationally leading research platform in the Arctic.

The unit supports researchers through accommodation and field housing, support during fieldwork, laboratories, environmental monitoring, and data management, and participates in and coordinates national and international research infrastructures. The unit is also responsible for the planning and execution of expeditions to Antarctica.

Responsibilities

As a Field Technician, you will work with varied and practical tasks related to the research activities at the station. A central part of the role is to ensure the safety of researchers in the field and to support and facilitate daily research work.

You will work closely with station technicians and other staff on tasks within the operations, contributing to the daily running of the research station.

The position also involves longer periods in the field under basic accommodation conditions, which requires flexibility, endurance, and the ability to work in demanding environments.

Requirements

We are looking for someone who has:

• A good understanding of and experience in facilitating field research
• A good understanding of and familiarity with working with measurement technology in the field
• A high ability to solve problems with limited resources in exposed environments (snow, cold)
• Ability to plan for fieldwork and long periods in the field
• A high ability to travel and lead groups in difficult terrain (glaciers, alpine environments, challenging weather conditions)
• Familiarity with and readiness to work in extreme environments (Polar regions)
• Good knowledge of Swedish and English, both spoken and understood
• Good health and medical approval according to the criteria applicable for expedition participants in expeditions arranged by the Polar Secretariat.

Merits

• Experience from previous work in Antarctica

Personal qualities

We are looking for someone who is confident in their professional role and has a high degree of flexibility, with the ability to adapt to varying workloads and rapidly changing conditions. You work independently, are structured, and have an organized and disciplined work approach.

You have a strong work ethic, good teamwork skills, and contribute to a positive work climate. Furthermore, you have good professional judgment, are solution-oriented, and can make well-founded decisions even under pressure. You remain calm in demanding situations and work methodically even when the pace is high. The position also requires good physical endurance, as work may take place in challenging climatic conditions and during periods with basic living conditions.

Other 

The employment is a seasonal position during the period November 21, 2026, to February 13, 2027. The Polar Secretariat covers travel to and from Antarctica.

We apply individual salary setting.

The Polar Secretariat strives for diversity where the backgrounds, experiences, knowledge, and personalities of our employees enrich our operations. It is also important to us that employees have the opportunity to combine work and private life. 

Contact

Information about the position is provided by Unit Manager Margareta Johansson, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Union Representative: Annika Kristoffersson, OFR/ST, phone 072-554 72 17  

Interested? 

Apply via the Polar Secretariat's recruitment system. We do not accept applications via email. The application must be received by June 15 at the latest.

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