Postdoc position in Meteorology and Climate Adaptation for Arctic Natural Hazards

About the position and project

This is a full-time postdoctoral position with a duration of 3 years and 3 months, including 3 months of teaching duties. Alternatively, candidates may choose a 3-year contract without teaching duties. The position is connected to the NordForsk-funded ARCHAIC project (Sustainable and Resilient Communities in the High Arctic in the Age of Climate Change), a multidisciplinary project aimed at generating new knowledge on climate adaptation and natural hazard management in remote Arctic settlements to foster sustainability and resilience. ARCHAIC focuses on case studies in Longyearbyen (Svalbard, Norway); Tassilaq (Greenland, Denmark); and Seyðisfjörður and Neskaupstaður (Iceland). The project is led by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in collaboration with The University Centre in Svalbard, SINTEF, NTNU Social Research, University of Stavanger, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, University College Copenhagen, and Arctic DTU. 

The postdoctoral position centres on natural science disciplines, particularly meteorology, emerging sensor technology, citizen science, and the development of early warning systems for location-specific natural hazards. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing climate risk assessment, integrating scientific and local knowledge, and utilising innovative sensor data and community-generated observations to improve hazard monitoring and warning dissemination. The position involves interdisciplinary collaboration and fieldwork in Arctic settings to evaluate and strengthen climate adaptation measures, ultimately supporting resilient and sustainable development in the High Arctic and beyond.

The desired start date is during August, and no later than September.

Requires Qualifications

• PhD in meteorology, climate science, or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in analysing large climate and environmental datasets using statistical or programming tools (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).
• Capability of both managing research tasks independently and contributing effectively to a research team.
• A proven track record (given the career stage) of peer-reviewed publications in relevant scientific journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English: Ability to effectively communicate research findings in scientific publications, reports, and presentations to diverse audiences.
• Experience in teaching meteorology if opting for the teaching duties.
• Driver’s license class B (valid for Svalbard).

Advantageous knowledge and skills

• Competence in or strong motivation to learn citizen science methodologies or community-based data collection approaches.
• Familiarity with or strong motivation to learn machine learning or advanced data analytics for pattern detection and forecasting in environmental data.
• Familiarity with or strong motivation to learn the principles and technologies behind early warning systems for natural hazards.
• Experience with or strong motivation to learn deployment and maintenance of environmental sensors and data loggers.
• Practical experience in or strong motivation to learn collection of data in challenging polar conditions, including knowledge of safety protocols and logistical planning.

Personal suitability will be emphasized.

We offer

UNIS offers a challenging and varied job in an exciting, pleasant, and international environment. As an employee, you will be a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK), which provides one of the best pension schemes on the market. We also offer excellent insurance schemes, coverage of travel and relocation expenses upon starting the position, and staff housing in accordance with current regulations.

The position is classified under the job code 1352 Postdoctoral fellow. In addition to the base salary, a Svalbard allowance of NOK 42,840 per annum is provided. A 2 % contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. The income tax rate in Svalbard is currently 8 %, and a national insurance contribution of 7.7 % is also deducted.

Application

Assoc. Prof. Marius O. Jonassen, email: mariusj@unis.no

Assoc. Prof. Gunhild B. Sætren, email: gunhilds@unis.no

Prof. Eirik Albrechtsen, email: eirik.albrechtsen@ntnu.no

Application deadline 04.07.2025

• Motivational letter (max. 1 page) to state your scientific and personal interest in pursuing a Postdoc position on the announced topic and at UNIS.
• Full academic CV.
• Transcripts and diplomas showing the completion of a PhD degree.
• Contact information for two references, one of which must be your PhD supervisor.

It is possible to request that your name/application be exempt from public disclosure in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (Offentlighetsloven) § 25. The request must be justified. Please note that if the request is not granted, the applicant will be contacted and given the opportunity to withdraw the application.

One of UNIS’ values is inclusion. We are committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment in the high Arctic. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

A committee will evaluate the qualifications of the applicants and invite the highest ranked person(s) for an interview. The appointment will be made by the Director of UNIS based on the recommendation from the committee.

Please note that candidates applying for this position should be aware that the unique nature of UNIS includes participation in field excursions aboard state-owned vessels and access to various government installations in Svalbard. Individuals from countries that do not have a security policy cooperation agreement with Norway may face restrictions in participating in these activities, which could hinder their ability to carry out work and academic responsibilities at UNIS.

Moreover, UNIS is required to conduct comprehensive security background checks for candidates from such countries. This is a highly resource-intensive process that UNIS is not equipped to manage independently, potentially resulting in delays to the recruitment process. Consequently, priority may be given to candidates from countries that have established security policy cooperation with Norway.