Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
We seek one field assistant to work with stream and riparian ecosystem research, in the Department of Ecology and Environment Science, with placement in Umeå. This is a time-limited, full-time position, from 1 June 2025 to 30 November 2025. The application deadline is 2025-05-13.
Job Duties The field assistant will participate in various research activities in the field and lab. This work will include deploying and maintaining aquatic sensors, assisting in field and lab data collection, and aiding in the design and execution of a field experiment. The work can be physically demanding and may include transporting heavy field equipment as well as some travel to field sites.
Examples of tasks could include:
Deployment and maintenance of dissolved oxygen sensors in streams
Joining for field campaigns to collect soil and water samples
Data downloading from environmental sensors
Assistance carrying out riparian plant surveys
Gathering simple hydrological data from local field sites
Laboratory work processing invertebrate, plant, water and soil samples
Qualifications We are looking for applicants with at least a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science or equivalent. Applicants should have experience working in the field, including under conditions typical of northern Sweden. A valid driver's license (B) in Sweden is a requirement for this position. A general knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial sampling and measurement techniques is a strong merit.
Intermittent employment An intermittent employment means that you can be offered scheduled employment occasions during a frame period of 6 months max. The employment occasions are time limited in accordance with LAS 5§ 1p. To be available this way means that you can accept or decline each employment occasion that you are offered and that a new employment enters each time you work. This practically means that you have an hourly employment.
The work period for these intermittent employments is as stated in the beginning of this advertisement.
Application You can apply via our recruitment tool, Varbi (in Swedish or English). The application must contain:
CV and cover letter
Copies of grades and certificates
Names and contact details of two reference persons.
The application deadline is 2025-05-13.
Contact For questions regarding employment, please contact Ryan Sponseller at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University: ryan.sponseller@umu.se
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
