Shape the future of sustainable food production, with leading R&D and industry players at a state-of-the-art facility

Nofima aims to hire a Senior RAS Researcher to fortify its research team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research and development in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The preferred location for the position is at our state-of-the-art facility in Sunndalsøra, but it is also possible to work from our main office in Tromsø. Both locations are equipped with RAS infrastructure and staffed by dedicated RAS researchers.

As an employee in the Production Biology department, you will collaborate with colleagues working on a wide range of production-related issues in aquaculture, including the performance and welfare of various species and production systems. We also closely collaborate with other parts of Nofima, enabling us to work interdisciplinarily on projects that cover all or parts of the value chain. The position is within the Production Biology department of the Aquaculture Division.

Why this is worth your attention:

• Enjoy autonomy and influence over your research topics and work methods.
• Gain access to leading research facilities in RAS.
• Work on interdisciplinary issues.
• Contribute to Nofima's vision of "Sustainable food for all."
• Benefit from a best-in-class pension and excellent health insurance, including physiotherapy and psychologist sessions.
• Receive assistance with relocation and finding new housing if needed.
• Maintain a good balance between work and leisure, with flexibility around holidays and the option to work from home in Sunndalsøra or Tromsø.

Responsibilities: As a Senior RAS Researcher, you will play a central role in driving research within recirculating aquaculture systems. Your main responsibilities and tasks will include:

• You will have a overall scientific lead in the development of RAS research, focusing on further advancing this strategically important field in Nofima.
• Developing and leading research projects within RAS.
• Contributing to the development of RAS infrastructure at research facilities.
• Coordinating collaboration with industry partners and academic institutions.
• Contribute to the implementation of research, including planning and conducting experiments/fieldwork, data processing, and interpreting results.
• Dissemination of results, both scientific and popular science arenas.

Qualifications:

• You have a PhD in biology / aquaculture.
• Solid expertise in RAS, especially at the intersection of biology and technology. 
• It is an advantage if you have a strong network within RAS research and industry.
• Understanding of fish welfare and the aquaculture industry.
• Experience from R&D projects. You have expertise and experience documented through scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in writing research funding applications. Preferably to have some knowledge and understanding of both Norwegian and international funding sources. 
• You possess excellent written and oral presentation skills in English, and preferably have a good knowledge of or willingness to learn Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.
• Skills/experience suitable for fieldwork in challenging conditions.
• A driver's license is a clear advantage in Sunndalsøra and Tromsø.

Personal qualities:  

We are in search of professionals who understand the nature of research and possess strong business acumen. We seek a forward-thinking individual who thrives on business development and excels in interdisciplinary collaboration and networking. You are comfortable with project organization, financing, and reporting.

You should have a clear and structured work style, setting specific and transparent goals. You are a natural team builder who takes great satisfaction in enabling the organization and talented professionals to reach their full potential.

The facility in Sunndalsøra

Sunndalsøra, nestled between majestic mountains and fjords, offers a serene yet dynamic environment for both work and leisure. Known for its leading role in Norway's aluminum industry and its innovative approach to sustainable energy, Sunndalsøra provides unique career opportunities in engineering, industry, and technology.

With a close-knit community, excellent outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing, and access to pristine nature, Sunndalsøra combines professional potential with a high quality of life. A short driving distance to airports and railway eases the possibility to combine professional and private life.

Nofima's center for recirculating aquaculture is unique in Norway as the only research facility with near-commercial scale recirculation (1750 m2). The facility has a total farming volume of 1100 m3, spread over six experimental halls. These halls can use both freshwater and seawater and offer advanced infrastructure for conducting biological and technological experiments across the entire aquaculture value chain.

Nofima hosted the 8-years center of science-based innovation, CtrlAQUA (ended 2023), where we worked with technological and biological innovations to further develop closed aquaculture systems, where RAS had a major part. All RAS research was done in the RAS facilities in Sunndalsøra. 

Our main office in Tromsø

Tromsø, often called the "Gateway to the Arctic," offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its thriving tech and innovation scene, world-class research institutions, and a strong focus on sustainability, Tromsø provides exciting career opportunities in various fields. Video about Tromsø; https://youtu.be/GFG2xyxuCIk?si=3UN0FCsUKaK9mAx0

Example project:

RAS 4.0

One of the exciting projects you could work on is RAS 4.0, which aims to improve fish welfare and efficiency in recirculating aquaculture systems: RAS 4.0 Biologically driven automation of salmon production conditions in RAS; https://nofima.com/projects/biologically-driven-automation-of-salmon-production-conditions-in-ras/

Video about Nofimas RAS-research; https://youtu.be/yzzbUcoIjkg

Do you have any questions?

Contact the consultant at Adecco Select Erik Barbuti at 975 37 126 or erik.barbuti@adecco.no. You can also speak with the head of consultants in Norway, Marius Tzatchev, at 473 25 181 or marius.tzatchev@adecco.no.