Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 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 three field assistants to work in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with high quality research together with a group of researchers at the Climate Impacts Research Center, for the Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience, with placement in Abisko. There are three time-limited, intermittent positions, one from 18 May to 16 October and the two others from 1 June to 18 September 2025. The application deadline is 2026-04-09.
Job Duties The field assistants will participate in various research activities in the Abisko region. This work includes planning and implementing environmental data collection in aquatic and terrestrial environments and laboratory work. The work is physically demanding and often includes transporting heavy field equipment on foot or skis with backpacks or sledges. The assistants will coordinate activities with researchers, technical staff, students, and interns to ensure the highest integrity and quality.
Examplesof tasks include:
collect environmental samples for ecological and chemical analyses.
measurements in the field, including plant community composition, carbon fluxes, and NDVI.
installation, maintenance, and downloading of logger and sensor data.
laboratory work with eg. water, invertebrates, plant, and soil samples.
maintain and repair field equipment, including instruments used for field measurements.
data entry, error checking, data management and GIS work/analysis.
organizing and implementation of fieldwork for students.
Qualifications We are looking for you with at least a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science or equivalent. You have good experience working in demanding mountain environments that are typical for Abisko (summer and winter conditions). You must be able to navigate with a map and compass and to have documented experience in conducting fieldwork and laboratory work in remote and demanding environments is a strong merit. You have good knowledge of Microsoft Office, R and GIS modelling and a good ability to express yourself orally and writing in English. A valid driver's license in Sweden is a requirement for this position. A general knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial sampling and measurement techniques, taxonomic knowledge in general in mountain regions is a merit. It is desirable if the person has first aid and CPR certification training.
Intermittent employment An intermittent employment means that you can be offered scheduled employment occasions during a frame period of 12 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 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 2026-04-09.
For questions regarding employment, please contact Karl Heuchel (karl.heuchel@umu.se) or Pär Byström (par.bystrom@umu.se).
Information box
Admission
May and June, 2026
Salary
Hourly salary with intermittent employment agreement
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.
