As a researcher, you will play a vital role in conducting innovative studies and generating knowledge that can inform policies and interventions aimed at promoting sustainable development and enhancing the wellbeing of coastal communities. Additionally, you will contribute to ongoing international projects funded by the European Union (EmpowerUs, Prep4Blue and others).

This is a fixed position based in Mo i Rana, Nordland, Norway. This town offers a unique blend of urban conveniences and unspoiled wilderness. Renowned for its stunning fjords and majestic mountains, the region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.   

Responsibilities: 

- Contribute to existing EU-funded projects by conducting research activities, analyzing data, and producing high-quality deliverables. 

- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers and experts from partner institutions within international and national projects to ensure successful project implementation. 

- Publish research findings in reputable journals and present at national and international conferences. 

- Explore the relationships between individuals, communities, and their coastal environment; and engage with local communities, stakeholders, and policymakers.  

- Design and conduct research projects focused on understanding the dynamics of nature connection, ocean literacy, and wellbeing in coastal communities using social science methodologies. 

- Mentor and supervise junior researchers, fostering their development and contributing to capacity building within the research institute. 

Qualifications: 

- PhD in social sciences, environmental studies, or a related field with a focus on nature-society interactions, wellbeing, sustainable development, or coastal communities. 

- Proven research experience in nature connection, ocean literacy, and wellbeing (e.g. a strong publication record and participation in relevant research projects).

- Familiarity with theories and frameworks related to nature-society interactions, environmental psychology, community resilience, and sustainable coastal development. 

- Experience working within the framework of EU-funded projects. 

- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to generate novel research questions and develop rigorous research designs. 

- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including the ability to effectively disseminate research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences. 

- Curiosity about new places and a wish to learn Norwegian. 

We work interdisciplinary, and you must have a good foundation in your specialist field but also find it exciting to work together with other specialists and practitioners. You must have good collaboration skills, but also an independent 'drive'; a desire to make a difference and to influence developments in this era of rapid change. If you have a background in disciplines such as community planning, political science, environmental sociology, nature management, social anthropology, social geography, sociology, economics/circular economy or other relevant disciplines that you think could fit into our focus areas and project portfolio – we encourage you to apply. 

We can offer: 

- An exciting and intellectually stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. 

- Opportunities for professional growth and career development within a growing research institute with lots of inspiring projects.  

- Collaboration with leading experts and active participation in international research networks, specifically within the context of EU projects. 

- An excellent working environment characterized by trust, openness and support. 

- Exciting and independent tasks in a local, national and international inter- and transdisciplinary environment. 

We are the only social science research institute in Norway with both ownership and headquarters in the north. We are a total of around 45 researchers distributed across the workplaces located in Bodø (head office), Lofoten and Mo i Rana.  

The NRI is a partner in regional, national and international networks. We both lead and participate in several national and international research projects, including eight EU projects (Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe). Our position as an important provider of social science based knowledge in the northern regions and the Arctic provides opportunities for professional development, network building and strategic positioning for our researchers. 

The NRI works for equality at all levels - gender balance, diversity and inclusion are important basic values for us. We aim to ensure diversity through our recruitment processes, and aim to facilitate for a flexible working environment. 

Together, we can make a significant impact on the understanding and conservation of coastal environments and the wellbeing of coastal communities within the framework of international collaborations. 

Excited? Then we hope to hear from you! 

Please apply for the position by sending an email with a motivational application and your CV to nf@nforsk.no within 31th of July. 

If you have any questions, please contact our Research Managers, Brigt Dale, by phone 99 03 08 36 or mail bda@nforsk.no, or Maiken Bjørkan by phone 93 08 85 77 or mail mbj@nforsk.no