Co­ordin­ator, Sci­entific Diving Academy

Scientific diving is an integral part of many lines of marine research, including ecology, archaeology and many other areas of research. Nevertheless, formal training for scientific divers has not been organised in Finland for almost ten years. We will now re-establish scientific diving training in Finland by forming a scientific diving academy at the University of Helsinki, serving the larger scientific community in Finland as well as internationally.

The scientific diving academy will be based at Tvärminne zoological station (TZS), which is a marine field station serving as a centre for a large variety of high-quality marine research and offering facilities for field courses and seminars. It is also the field station hosting the most extensive scientific diving activities in Finland.
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research-stations/tvarminne-zoological-station

We are looking to appoint a

COORDINATOR FOR THE SCIENTIFIC DIVING ACADEMY

for a 3-year position starting 1.5.2021 or according to agreement.

The coordinator will be responsible for making the diving academy operational and developing an organisational and financial model for the long-term activities of the scientific academy to ensure sustainable, high-quality operations also after the end of the first 3-year period. This includes organizing dive training courses according to the Advanced European Scientific Diver (AESD) standard at TZS and serving as a teacher on the courses. The coordinator will work closely with an advisory group, which includes representatives of marine ecological and archeological sciences at the University of Helsinki, government research institutions, the Finnish Scientific Diving Steering Association (STOY-FSDSA) and the funding agencies.

We are looking for a person with a suitable university or applied degree in environmental sciences (e.g., marine ecology, geology, archaeology), or with another appropriate degree or corresponding experience. AESD certification (or equivalent), experience as a scientific dive instructor and extensive knowledge and first-hand experience of scientific diving projects is essential.

We value experience of aquatic research, navigational and boating skills, formal pedagogic training / experience of teaching and of producing teaching materials, skills in different diving methodologies (technical, surface-supplied, mixed gas, CCR etc.) and knowledge of diving medicine.

We are looking for a person with great organizational and networking skills, a proven track record of project management and successfully applying for funding, and a positive attitude. We assume excellent English language skills; other language skills are considered an advantage (Finnish, Swedish). An integral goal is to promote diving-based research widely, both in Finland and internationally.

The coordinator will spend a significant part of the time at TZS. Ongoing engagement with the practical diving operations and diving-based research projects at TZS will be essential. The coordinator will work closely with the local diving officer at TZS, which could include, for example, handling the dive officer’s responsibilities while the dive officer is on leave.

The salary is based on the Finnish university salary system demand level 8 and the starting salary will be ca. 3 000 - 3 500 euros per month depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. A six-month trial period will be applied.

Applications must be submitted through the University's electronic recruitment system via the link “Apply for the position” below. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki must submit their application via the SAP HR portal.

Applications must have the following attachments as a one single pdf file (in English):

• A cover letter explaining the applicant´s motivation to apply and suitability for the position.
• A one-page vision for how the scientific diving academy should be developed to ensure sustainable, high-quality operations into the future.
• A CV including the applicant´s scientific, diving, teaching and other relevant merits.

The closing date for applications is 31.3.2021.

For more information, please contact research coordinator Joanna Norkko, joanna.norkko(at)helsinki.fi.

The University of Helsinki (https://www.helsinki.fi/en ) is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities in Europe and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits.

Due date

31.03.2021 23:59 EEST