A new position is available on board the tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl for the One Ocean Expedition 2025-2026 – APPLY BEFORE 5TH DECEMBER 2024!
“Our aim is to use the ship and the expedition to bridge the gap between science and the public, and the Science Coordinator will play a significant role in this effort.”
This job posting is only available in English.
Background
In April 2025, the iconic Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl will set sail for the next leg of its journey to inspire global awareness of ocean sustainability – the One Ocean Expedition 2025 – 2026.
This year-long voyage builds on the 2021 – 2023 expedition, where the ship circumnavigated the globe to raise awareness about the ocean’s critical role.
As a recognized part and a floating ambassador for the UN Ocean Decade, the expedition contributes to the UN’s goal of achieving “the science we need for the ocean we want.” We aim to use our ship not only as a sail training vessel but also as a platform for change, mobilizing science and action for a healthier ocean for future generations.
The main goal of the expedition is to raise global awareness and share knowledge about the crucial role of the ocean for a sustainable future.
How to reach the goal
Actions to reach the goal
State-of-the-Art Research Equipment on Board
As part of the upcoming expedition, the ship has been equipped with high-quality research instruments and a data management and visualization system, including ADCPs (short and long range), hydrophones, scientific echo sounders, CTD with rosette (up to 1500 m depth), weather stations, atmospheric/surface observation equipment, a ferrybox/SooGuard system, underway water sampling equipment, and a new (though small) laboratory for eDNA, microplastics, water isotopes, and more. See below for a detailed list of equipment.
Position Details and Working Conditions
For the upcoming expedition, we are seeking two Science Coordinators who will work in shifts on the same rotation schedule as the permanent crew (1:1 system, with approximately 4–6 weeks on and 4–6 weeks off). The standard working hours on board are 10 hours per day. While we aim to provide a private cabin for each Science Coordinator, due to limited space, one must be prepared to share a cabin with others during the expedition.
Salary and insurance
NOK 42.500 per month + holiday pay. Occupational injury insurance.
Sasakawa Peace Foundation (JP) as partner to the One Ocean Expedition generously funds the science coordinator position.
Responsibilities of the Science Coordinator
We are looking for a Science Coordinator (SC) who combines technical expertise in handling scientific equipment with strong communication skills to effectively convey scientific concepts to a broad audience.
The SC will oversee all scientific equipment on board, which includes understanding, operating, and instructing others in the use of various instruments. Support from shore if needed by Institute of Marine Research, Kongsberg Discover and others.
The SC will also serve as the contact point for the various charterers on each leg regarding their respective research programs. Our charterers and partners include organizations such as the Institute of Marine Research, the European Space Agency, Ocean Data Lab, NASA, Kongsberg Discovery, and the UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, among others.
Equally important to technical knowledge is the ability to explain and present science in an understandable and engaging way to everyone on board, also during events in port, and through our social media channels. An on-board promotional content producer will assist in sharing these stories across our platforms.
Our aim is to use the ship and the expedition to bridge the gap between science and the public, and the SC will play a significant role in this effort.
Other responsibilities
- Practical execution of scientific work, including coordinating research stations in close cooperation with the captain.
- Collecting and performing routine analysis of water samples.
- Maintenance of scientific equipment on board, in collaboration with the ship’s Chief Engineer and representatives from the Institute of Marine Research and Kongsberg Discovery.
- Providing guidance to students on board, who will also assist the SC.
- Outreach and instruction on the scientific work for the voyage crew and permanent crew, coordinated with the ship’s Quartermaster.
- Outreach and instruction on scientific work for visitors in port, coordinated with the ship’s Quartermaster and the foundation’s head of events.
- Outreach and instruction on scientific work for social media, media, and press in cooperation with the ship’s content producer and the foundation’s head of communication.
- Collaborative teaching on sustainability topics with the ship’s Sustainability Officer.
- Communicating and transferring research data from ship to shore.
- Acting as a liaison for shore-based contacts regarding research permits in different EEZs. Note: The research permits will be acquired and forwarded to the ship by the land-based organization.
- Participating in the planning of future expeditions.
- Assisting with general maintenance and sailing of the ship as time allows.
Preliminary Time Schedule for Science Coordinator
Contract Period: Mid-February 2025 – Mid-June 2026 (with possibilities for extension)
Test and training period
One Ocean Expedition 2025 – 2026
Sailing route, One Ocean Expedition April 2025- April 2026.
Qualifications we look for
We are looking for a Science Coordinator who resonates with the mission of the One Ocean Expedition. This role is ideal for someone who is early in their career, eager to build their CV, eager to build an invaluable international network within science and education, and driven by a personal commitment to ocean sustainability and science communication. You will need to be able to speak and write fluently in english.
A minimum background with MSc/preferably PhD in marine science, oceanography, environmental science, or a related field is essential, along with a good understanding of scientific methods and equipment and tools for visualizing this. Fieldwork experience particularly with the sampling equipment used onboard (see list below) is beneficial, but also important is a genuine passion for the ocean and the ability to communicate scientific knowledge in an engaging way to a diverse audience.
Personal qualities are equally crucial. Life on board means living and working closely with others, often in confined spaces. We seek someone who is adaptable, collaborative, and able to maintain a positive attitude in variable and challenging conditions. The Science Coordinator will also be an active member of the crew, expected to participate in daily routines and support the ship’s community spirit.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a team, values teamwork and is ready for the unique adventures, challenges and rewards of life at sea.
Note that data gathered on board can also be used by the science coordinator for their own projects.
List of research equipment on board
- Weather sensors
- Radar Precipitation Sensors
- SST skin temperature sensors
- Rosette sampler (sensors, water samplers)
- Winch for rosette sampler
- Sensors on rosette -CTD, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll A/turbidity/backscatter, PAR, pH
- ADCP – 300 kHz
- ADCP – 75 kHz
- Hydrophones
- SooGuard (ferrybox) with sensors, conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll A, phycoerythrin
- Scientific Echosounder EK80 with transducers (ES38/200 Combi C, ES120-7C)
- eDNA filtration/analysis setup
- Microplastics filtration setup
- CTD
- Fishing equipment
- Net sampling
- Situational awareness camera
- NEW laboratory (wet lab) installed
Applicants
Applications to be sent to lehmkuhl@lehmkuhl.no before 05.12.24
Expected start of the position: Mid-February 2025, or after further agreement
Photo: Malin Kvamme, Ingrid Wollberg
