Project Data Officer - SIOS-Knowledge Centre

About Us

The Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS) is an international consortium of 29 institutions that coordinates state-of-the-art Arctic Research Infrastructure and observing capacity in and around Svalbard. By integrating observing systems and data from its members, SIOS enables high-impact environmental and climate change research in the Svalbard region.

The SIOS Knowledge Centre (SIOS-KC) serves as the consortium's central hub, providing communication, coordination, data management, and other support services to the SIOS members and to the research community. SIOS Svalbard AS is the legal entity for the SIOS consortium and the formal employer of SIOS-KC staff. SIOS-KC is located in the Svalbard Science Centre in Longyearbyen, Norway, and currently has a staff of 7 people.

About the Position

The Project Data Officer will be part of SIOS-KC and work primarily on several EU Horizon Europe projects: POLARIN (Polar Research Infrastructure Network), ATMO-SERVE (ATMOspheric research infrastructure SERVices for curiosity-driven research of atmospheric chemistry and dynamics), and LIQUIDICE (LinkIng and QUantifying the Impacts of climate change on inlanD ICE, snow cover, and permafrost on water resources and society in vulnerable regions).

The main tasks for this position include coordinating, developing, and implementing virtual access to research infrastructures, while supporting researchers and research infrastructures in publishing FAIR-compliant data in open access repositories. The role also involves updating projects' Data Management Plans, writing project reports and deliverables, developing training materials and conducting training on topics such as data management and data stewardship.

This position requires some travel in Norway and abroad. The position may include additional tasks as needed and reports to the SIOS Director. The position is a temporary appointment for a period of three years.

SIOS adheres to the FAIR guiding principles for scientific data management and stewardship, and its SIOS Data Management System is built on these principles.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A master's or higher degree in geophysics, applied mathematics, computer science or similar.
• Experience and documented knowledge in applied mathematical / scientific programming.
• Proficient in both written and oral English.

Considered an Asset

• Preparation and publication of geoscientific or bioscientific datasets.
• Distributed data management approaches and standards, persistent identifiers, and semantic technology.
• Python, R and version control (in particular git).
• Data Lifecycle Management.
• Linux environment.
• Lineage, provenance, and citation practises for scientific data.
• CF-NetCDF and/or Darwin Core Archive/Packages.
• Management or participation in EU projects.
• Scientific writing/project reporting.

Skills

• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to work independently.
• Structured, curious and innovative.
• Respectful of diversity.
• Proactive and willing to challenge working methods.
• Ability to develop modular, flexible and robust software solutions.
• Ability to define own work tasks in the balance between quality and efficiency.
• Ability to communicate efficiently with colleagues through electronic collaboration tools, including video conferencing.

Applications are welcome from structured, result oriented and creative team players with an innovative and problem-solving attitude. The personal attributes of the successful candidate are essential.

Required Documents

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Education certificates.
• Contact information for two references.

The committee may ask for further documentation of the education history and former work experience described by the applicant.

We Offer

• A fixed term position for three years starting as soon as possible.
• Multi-disciplinary, international, and fascinating professional environment in the beautiful archipelago of Svalbard.
• A sociable work environment with flexible working hours and family-friendly practices in accordance with Norwegian employment regulations.
• Free arrival passage for the employee and dependents, and relocation expenses associated with initiation of the engagement in accordance with current regulations.
• A fixed annual refund of expenses for trips related to vacation for the employee and dependents in accordance with current regulations.
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Pension Fund.
• Subsidised housing with basic furniture in accordance with current regulations.

The position is classified under the job code "Advisor/Senior Advisor" (code 1434/1364), depending on experience. In addition to the base salary, SIOS-KC provides a Svalbard allowance of NOK 44,640 per annum. 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 7.6% is also deducted.

Inquiries About This Position

Director of SIOS Heikki Lihavainen: director@sios-svalbard.org / +47 476 48 242.

Scientific integration and data officer Zoé Brasseur: zoe.brasseur@sios-svalbard.org / +47 90 25 88 09.

How to Apply

All applications must be sent through the JobbNorge system. All documents must be uploaded as attachments to the application. Applications lacking required documents or not sent through JobbNorge will not be considered. Apply via: https://www.jobbnorge.no/ledige-stillinger/stilling/305580/project-data-officer-sios-knowledge-centre

Application deadline: 16.08.2026.

Selection and Appointment

A committee will evaluate the qualifications of applicants. Based on the report, the top ranked person(s) will be invited for an interview. The appointment will be made based on the recommendation from the evaluation committee. As SIOS would like to increase the percentage of females in academic positions, women are especially invited to apply.

Security Policy Cooperation

SIOS prioritises applicants who are citizens of countries with a security policy cooperation with Norway. This mainly includes countries that are members of the EU/EEA or NATO. Employees holding citizenship from countries outside EU/EEA or NATO may encounter difficulties accessing the government infrastructure that SIOS relies on to hold its courses and perform research work.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

SIOS is committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, beliefs, age, or other characteristics.

About Longyearbyen

As part of the team, the successful candidate will work in Longyearbyen and have the opportunity to experience the spectacular nature of Svalbard firsthand. This modern Arctic community of around 2,600 inhabitants offers beautiful wilderness, outstanding outdoor recreation, and a vibrant cultural life.