Vacant job

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest higher education institutions, with over 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees. The university offers a diverse range of high-quality education and world-leading research across several scientific fields, including the groundbreaking discovery of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.

The societal transformation and major green investments we see in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this means conducting research on – and within – a society in transition. It also means delivering education to regions that need to expand rapidly and sustainably. Simply put, this is where the future is being created.

Interested in learning more? Read more about Umeå University as an employer.

We are seeking a motivated Research Engineer to investigate the effects of global change on marine ecosystems, with a particular focus on (sub)Arctic and tropical latitudes. The position is full-time for 11.5 months. The expected start date is October 2026, or as agreed.

About the Umeå Marine Research Centre and the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science

The 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, and hosts world-class research infrastructure and platforms, including mesocosms, research vessels, and a scientific diving team. More information can be found here (#). UMF is closely linked to the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, which conducts world-leading research and offers an excellent scientific environment with outstanding opportunities for researchers to develop and specialize in their fields of interest.

Responsibilities

You will become part of a dynamic international team led by Professor Nick Kamenos and Dr. Heidi Burdett, with opportunities to collaborate with various interdisciplinary partners. This position will be part of Professor Kamenos and Dr. Burdett's research group, with close connections to the EcoChange Strategic Research Area.

The position will support research investigating how environmental changes affect the function, resilience, and ecosystem services of coastal marine ecosystems. This will combine fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and computational methods, with a specific focus on photosynthesis, carbon sequestration, and biomineralization in coastal habitats, including coral algal beds, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. This work will contribute to developing innovative, nature-based solutions for biodiversity conservation, coastal restoration, blue carbon, and sustainable management of marine environments.

Qualifications

We are looking for a Research Engineer with a Master's degree (or higher) in marine or environmental science.

Skill requirements include:

• Strong background in marine/aquatic ecosystem science
• Experience in experimental design and the collection, processing, and interpretation of ecological, biogeochemical, and/or physiological datasets
• Experience in conducting marine/aquatic mesocosm experiments and/or fieldwork
• Expertise in advanced statistical analysis
• Experience in data curation and good data management
• Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written)

We seek a creative, independent, and collaborative Research Engineer with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research within an international research environment. Previous experience working in a collaborative team, a valid driver's license, and/or a documented track record of research publications and/or conference presentations are meritorious.

The primary workplace will be the Umeå Marine Research Centre.

Application Process

Please submit your application, written in English, via the university's recruitment system, Varbi. Note that documents must be in PDF format. Your application should include:

• A cover letter describing why you are applying for this position and how you meet the criteria
• A CV, including contact details for two reference persons
• Degree certificates

The application deadline is 2026-07-31.

Contact Information

Dr. Heidi Burdett; [email protected]

Professor Nick Kamenos; [email protected]

Umeå University aims to offer an equal and inclusive environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lays the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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