Kvantitativ forsker innen metodeutvikling og bestandsvurdering
Quantitative research scientist for stock assessment method development
About the Position
The Research Group Fisheries has an immediate opening for a permanent position as a research scientist working on stock assessment method development. Although the position is formally placed within the Fisheries group, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with multiple research groups (demersal, pelagic, deep-sea fish, crustaceans and others) that are engaged in, and have a need for, the development and refinement of stock assessment modelling methods.
Workplace is in Bergen.
About the Research Group and Our Work
The Marine Ecosystems and Resources section at IMR contributes to the assessment of and provision of scientific advice for more than 100 stocks annually in both national and international waters. Stock assessment and advice provision constitute one of the main pillars of the institute’s work.
The Fisheries group consists of 37 researchers and engineers. The group works on a range of topics including stock assessment modelling methods, sustainable capture methods, sampling methods for stock assessment, scientific data from commercial fisheries and advice on catch, effort, and exploitation patterns in commercial fisheries.
Main tasks
The successful candidate will contribute to statistical method development in fisheries science, with a particular focus on stock assessment. Key responsibilities include:
i) developing, implementing, and evaluating quantitative methods for stock assessment (e.g. statistical catch-at-age models, state-space models, biomass dynamic models);
ii) analysing fisheries and survey data (including catch, effort, and biological data) collected using both traditional approaches and novel methodologies such as drone-based acoustics, imagery, and related technologies;
and iii) contributing to the design and implementation of simulation and sensitivity analyses to evaluate model performance and management strategies (e.g. MSE).
The position also includes staying up to date with international, state-of-the-art approaches by actively participating in relevant ICES expert and methods groups (e.g. MGWG, WKLIFE and others).
The candidate will work closely with stock-responsible scientists to develop, adapt, and implement new features in existing assessment models, as needed and on a stock-by-stock basis.
Qualification Requirements
- PhD in mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, fisheries science, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
- Academic background must include university-level coursework in both statistics and biology.
- Demonstrated fluency in R and TMB (Template Model Builder) or RTMB is a prerequisite.
- Documented experience with stock assessment, either operational or research-based (e.g. first author of stock assessment deliverables, or co-author with a clear description of specific contributions).
- Proven experience in developing and implementing statistical models using TMB or RTMB, applied to fisheries science or closely related topics.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Experience with version control systems (e.g. Git).
The working language at the Institute of Marine Research is Norwegian. Being able to communicate well in Norwegian is an important prerequisite for both the employee and our institute. We expect non-Norwegian-speaking employees to complete Norwegian language courses during the first two years of employment. The institute will cover the cost of completed and passed Norwegian courses.
Desired competencies
- Experience with stock assessment tools commonly used in Norway and within ICES (e.g. SAM, SPiCT, SS3) is an advantage, but not a requirement.
- Experience in developing and fitting spatio-temporal models is an advantage.
- Experience with Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) is an advantage.
- Experience with project management
Personal Qualities
The ability to work independently, as well as in teams, and to deliver results (reports, analyses, papers) according to deadlines is essential.
Inclusion and Diversity is a Strength
The Institute of Marine Research believes that inclusion and diversity are strengths. Therefore, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply for a position with us, regardless of age, gender, disability, nationality, or ethnic background. The Institute is an Inclusive Workplace (IA) company, and we aim to accommodate applicants with disabilities.
If there are qualified applicants with disabilities , employment gaps , or immigrant backgrounds , we will invite at least one applicant from each of these groups to an interview. To be considered for affirmative action, you must meet the requirements and indicate that you wish to be considered for the action in your application. You can read more here .
We offer
- the opportunity to work in one of Europe’s leading marine research institutes
- a creative working environment
- facilities in central Bergen
- flexible work hours
- public sector occupational pension through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Funds (SPK)
- access to company cabins, fitness facilities, and other welfare benefits
Aditional information
The Institute of Marine Research offers a government-regulated salary as 1109/1110/1183 research scientist depending on qualifications, an excellent pension scheme through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and other welfare benefits (see for more information).
Please submit your application electronically through Jobbnorge., enclosing a full CV including a list of publications, copies of relevant recommendations and academic transcripts. Please document skills and give at least two references that can be contacted.
Please note that information about applicants may be made public even if an applicant has requested to be exempted from the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified about this in advance.
The Institute of Marine Research is subject to export control regulations. These regulations apply to the processing of applications for the position.
Applicants with education from abroad may be asked to provide NOKUT approval of their qualifications. You may be asked to approve that the Institute of Marine Research conducts a background check.
For more information about the position, please contact Research manager Guldborg Søvik by
You can also visit our web site at
Application deadline: 8. november, 2026.
About the Institute of Marine Research
The Institute of Marine Research is one of the largest marine research institutes in Europe, with more than 1,000 employees, a range of research facilities, and laboratories of a high international standard. Our main activities are research, advisory services, and monitoring.
The Institute of Marine Research owns and operates eight research vessels. Our headquarters are located in Bergen. We also have a branch in Tromsø, as well as research stations in Matre, Austevoll, and Flødevigen.
The Institute of Marine Research shall be a leading provider of knowledge to support the sustainable management of resources in marine ecosystems, both nationally and internationally, across the entire chain from ocean to food. This includes the marine environment, fish nutrition, and safe and healthy seafood.