Vacant job

Umeå Marine Research Centre (UMF) is looking for a Senior Staff Scientist. The position is a permanent full-time employment starting in August 2026, or as agreed.

Job Description

Umeå Marine Research Centre (UMF) is a unit within Umeå University located in Norrbyn, 40 km south of Umeå. UMF's strategic mission focuses on research, education, environmental monitoring, and public engagement. Additionally, UMF possesses world-class research infrastructure and platforms, including mesocosms, research vessels, and a scientific diving team. More information can be found here (#).

As a Senior Staff Scientist, you will be responsible for planning and coordinating UMF's operational activities within our areas of research, education, and environmental monitoring. You will play a key role in dialogues with staff and visiting groups, as well as strengthening UMF's ability to provide solutions to environmental challenges. You will also support the development of strategies to improve the organization's future functionality.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate UMF's activities within research, education, and environmental monitoring, including the operation of the research vessel, implementation of educational activities linked to research, and coordination of research projects funded by international or national financiers.
• Develop UMF as an infrastructure by ensuring activities align with UMF's vision and mission, strategic direction, mandate, development of pioneering methods, and renewal of infrastructure.
• Initiate and develop educational initiatives based at UMF with both international and national institutions (e.g., attracting new educational groups).
• Evaluate the feasibility of research projects and educational requests, plan and assemble project groups, and monitor project implementation.
• Budget planning, budget compliance, and budget monitoring for parts of UMF's operations, in dialogue with the director.
• Provide practical operational expertise where needed.
• Participate in internal management meetings and represent UMF externally where necessary.

The duties may vary over time, and other duties may be added.

Qualifications

For the position of Senior Staff Scientist, a PhD in marine science (e.g., marine biology, oceanography, or equivalent) is required. Furthermore, extensive knowledge and comprehensive experience in marine science are required, along with very good knowledge of underlying theories and principles, and specific competence related to the development and application of advanced methods in marine science (e.g., but not limited to, autonomous underwater vehicles, remote sensing, hyperspectral imaging, analytical pipelines).

Additionally, the following is required:

• Documented experience in establishing, developing, and operating research infrastructure.
• Documented experience in qualified management/coordination work with research infrastructure, such as leadership, budget planning and responsibility, coordination, collaboration, and reporting, as well as experience in grant seeking/fundraising.
• Documented experience in working with occupational health and safety issues.
• Ability to work in teams as well as to plan and work independently.
• Fluent English in speech and writing, including the ability to communicate using scientific, pedagogical, and technical terminology.
• Valid driver's license (Category B).

Merits

• Postdoctoral experience in marine science (e.g., marine biology, oceanography) or equivalent.
• Scientific production and contribution to the development of the scientific field, for example through publications in highly cited scientific journals applying peer review.
• Experience in planning activities within science and education aboard research vessels.
• Experience in developing and delivering education, such as courses, lectures, workshops, and demonstrations at various educational levels for different target groups.
• Experience in outward-facing activities, such as participation in and presentation at conferences, preparation of scientific reports and presentations, participation in national or international networks, or popular science activities.
• Experience of collaboration with external stakeholders, e.g., in industry, municipalities, or companies.
• Experience of participating in and/or planning international scientific meetings (e.g., conferences).

Great importance will be attached to personal suitability.

Conditions

This is a full-time position, and probationary employment may apply. The expected start date is August 2026 or as agreed.

Application

Apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi by 2026-07-31. The application should include:

• A cover letter describing why you are interested in the position.
• A CV (curriculum vitae) describing your academic education and previous employment.
• A publication list including DOI where relevant.
• Diploma for the PhD degree.
• Certified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades.
• Copy of the doctoral thesis.
• Any other relevant documentation you wish to submit to support your application.

For more information and questions about the position, please contact Nick Kamenos, Director of UMF; [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application!

Umeå University aims to offer an equal and equitable environment where open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.

To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you who are salespeople: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of additional job advertisements.