PhD Position in Arctic Pelagic Ecology (UNIS)

Job title

PhD Position in Arctic Pelagic Ecology.

Company

The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), Arctic Biology Department.

Description of the job

The department for Arctic Biology at UNIS has a vacant PhD position in Arctic pelagic ecology, affiliated with the national research program Arctic Ocean 2050. UNIS, located in Longyearbyen at 78°N, is the world's northernmost institution for higher education, specializing in Arctic studies and using the environment as a natural laboratory for research and education.

The successful applicant will work with zooplankton data from the High Arctic to address knowledge gaps in life history strategies, phenology and the distribution of key zooplankton species in the Arctic Ocean. The work will contribute to improving estimates of pelagic secondary production in the central Arctic Ocean and advancing the understanding of the role of key zooplankton species in the biological carbon pump.

The PhD candidate will work with existing data as well as participating on Arctic Ocean 2050 cruises to collect new material and conduct experimental work. The candidate will also have the opportunity to work with data gathered by optical and/or acoustic sensors. The PhD candidate will be fully integrated into the Arctic Ocean 2050 zooplankton team, working closely with colleagues from UNIS, UiT and other participating institutions.

The four-year contract includes a year of required duties (teaching assistance on bachelor and master courses in marine ecology at UNIS, assisting in supervision of students, supporting the department in data management and publication of research data). Alternatively, the candidate may choose a three-year position which excludes these duties. Admission to a doctoral program at UiT (The Arctic University in Norway) is a condition for employment.

What We Offer:

• A challenging and varied job in an exciting and international environment in the High Arctic.
• Membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK).
• Excellent insurance schemes.
• Coverage of travel and relocation expenses (max NOK 10,000) upon starting the position.
• Staff housing in accordance with current regulations.
• Svalbard allowance of NOK 44,640 per annum.
• Favourable tax conditions: income tax rate in Svalbard is currently 8%.
• Opportunity to participate in digital Norwegian language courses.

Requirements

Required:

• Master's degree in marine ecology, biology, marine science or similar, completed by July 1, 2026.
• A minimum grade in the master's degree of "B" or equivalent (needed for admission to UiT PhD program).
• Experience from marine fieldwork and willingness and possibility of participating in research ship expeditions to the Arctic Ocean.
• Experience with statistical data analyses including knowledge of R and/or Python.
• Experience in biodiversity and/or ecological studies.
• Proficient in both written and oral English.

Advantageous:

• Experience in Arctic pelagic ecology, population dynamics, and climate-related research questions.
• Experience in experimental work with zooplankton and the handling of live organisms.
• Experience in collating and analysing large datasets.
• Work experience in marine and polar environments.
• Experience with image analysis and molecular techniques, as well as taxonomic knowledge of Arctic zooplankton.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Driver's license class B (valid for Svalbard).

Location

Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway.

Salary

Not specified.

How to apply

All applications must be sent through the JobbNorge system.

Submit: motivational letter (max. 1 page), full academic CV, transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and contact information for two references (one must be master's supervisor). Applications lacking required documents will not be considered.

For inquiries, contact Malin Daase at malind@unis.no, Janne Søreide at jannes@unis.no, or Sünnje Basedow at sunnje.basedow@uit.no.

Deadline

07/04/2026.

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