The Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) is Norway's main institution for polar environmental research, environmental monitoring, mapping and expeditions to the polar regions. The Institute reports to Norway's Ministry of the Environment and is a liaison and service as well as advisory body for national and international polar research. Approximately 125 persons are employed at the Institute in Tromso, Svalbard and Dronning Maud Land

Satellite and submarine observations reveal that the Arctic sea ice cover is shrinking and thinning at a rapid rate, and understanding the arctic cryosphere is a high priority of NPI's climate research. The Polar Climate Program of the NPI in Tromso is, therefore, strengthening its research capabilities within the general field of sea ice and ice-ocean interactions. We are announcing three full time, permanent research positions in sea ice physics, remote sensing and physical oceanography (see http://npweb.npolar.no/english/subjects/open_positions). Candidates with a strong background in physics, mathematics, and good programming skills are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience from Arctic cruises or fieldwork is also an asset.

Sea Ice Scientist - Arctic Physical Environment

The successful applicant will conduct work related to quantitative estimates of past, present, and future changes of the Arctic physical sea ice environment. Specifically, research and monitoring connected to sea ice changes (e.g. thickness, extent, drift) in the Fram Strait, will be central in the scientific long-term activities in the position.

Ice and Snow Scientist - Remote Sensing

The successful applicant will conduct work related to the cryosphere in the Arctic, sea ice extent, concentration, type and thickness, sea-ice dynamics, and the monitoring of Svalbard glaciers, using modern satellite remote sensing (Envisat, Radarsat, CryoSat-2, MODIS, Quickscat).

Physical Oceanographer

The successful applicant will conduct research on the large-scale ocean circulation and ocean climate in the Nordic Seas and Arctic Ocean. A central topic will be the circulation and spreading of Atlantic Water in the Arctic Ocean, and its relation to sea ice concentration and melting. The research will include theoretical analysis in combination with observations in order to gain insight into the large-scale Arctic Ocean processes. NPI's data from monitoring in the Fram Strait and other data collected during the International Polar Year will be central.

Further inquiries about the position may be directed to the researcher Ole Anders Nost (Tel. + 47 77 75 05 13, e-mail: ole.anders.nost@npolar.no), researcher Sebastian Gerland (e-mail: sebastian.gerland@npolar.no, Tel.: +47 77750554) or the Polar Climate Programme leader Nalan Koc (+47 77 75 06 54, e-mail: nalan.koc@npolar.no).

Application deadline is 9 May 2008. The application should include a CV, name of referees, a list of publications and details of the relevant qualifications and experience. NPI prefers that an electronic application is submitted on www.jobbnorge.no. If this is not feasible paper copies may be sent to the Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Environmental Centre, 9296 Tromso, Norway, before the deadline.