NORCE Research is seeking an experienced climate scientist to strengthen its research on climate prediction, climate impacts, and climate risk management.
The position is available as a Senior Researcher (Forsker II) or Researcher (Forsker III) , depending on the candidate’s experience, within the Climate Systems and Climate Services division in Bergen, Norway.
The researcher will also be affiliated with the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research .
About the Climate Systems and Climate Services Division
The Climate Systems and Climate Services division has approximately 60 researchers conducting basic and applied research on past, present and future climate.
The successful candidate will work within the Climate Risk group in Bergen, which focuses on climate prediction. The multidisciplinary group includes meteorologists, climatologists and social scientists who work closely with stakeholders.
NORCE hosts Climate Futures , a Centre for Research-Based Innovation focused on climate risk, and has a diverse portfolio of projects funded by the EU, the Research Council of Norway, NORAD and industry.
Job Summary
- Employer: NORCE Research
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Research
- Salary: Competitive salary
- Closing Date: 2026-10-02
Key Responsibilities
- Conducting applied research using climate predictions
- Producing research documents and peer-reviewed publications
- Disseminating research results to a broad audience
- Taking an active role in acquiring new funding and projects through proposal writing
- Engaging with stakeholders
Requirements
- A PhD in climate dynamics, meteorology or a related field
- Research experience in one or more of the listed research areas
- A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
- Good programming skills, preferably in Python
- Excellent written and spoken English
Salary
Competitive salary
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: karriere.norceresearch.no
About the Company
The NORCE Research (NORCE) is a Norwegian government-owned research institute that is majority-owned by the University of Bergen. It is one of the largest research organisations of Norway.
Website: https://www.norceresearch.no/en/news/helping-with-weather-forecasting-for-east-africa
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to apply for a Senior Researcher or Researcher position in climate risk at NORCE Research?
You typically need a Master's or PhD in environmental science, climate studies, statistics, or a related field. NORCE Research values strong quantitative skills and experience with climate modeling or risk assessment. Publications in peer-reviewed journals and proficiency in programming languages like Python or R are highly advantageous.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities in this climate risk research role?
Your daily tasks include analyzing climate data, developing risk assessment models, and writing research proposals or reports. You will collaborate with international teams, present findings at conferences, and contribute to policy-relevant publications. Fieldwork and stakeholder engagement with African climate adaptation projects may also be required.
How does the work culture at international research institutions like NORCE differ from typical Zimbabwean workplaces?
NORCE emphasizes flat hierarchies, open academic debate, and work-life balance with flexible hours. Unlike some Zimbabwean workplaces, decision-making is often collaborative rather than top-down. Punctuality and direct communication are valued, though Norwegian culture tends to be less formal than traditional Zimbabwean corporate environments.
What career progression paths exist after working as a Researcher or Senior Researcher in climate risk?
You can advance to Principal Researcher, Research Professor, or team leadership roles within NORCE. Many researchers transition into policy advisory positions with UN agencies, the African Development Bank, or national climate departments. Others establish independent research consultancies serving Southern African climate adaptation projects.
What benefits are typically offered to researchers in international institutions compared to Zimbabwean academic positions?
International research positions usually include comprehensive medical insurance, pension contributions, and generous annual leave of 25 days or more. Family relocation support and research travel funding are common, unlike many Zimbabwean universities facing budget constraints. However, cost of living in Norway is substantially higher than in Zimbabwe.
How should I prepare my application to stand out for this climate risk researcher position?
Tailor your CV to highlight quantitative methods, climate-specific projects, and interdisciplinary collaboration experience. Secure strong reference letters from international supervisors or collaborators familiar with your research output. Demonstrate awareness of NORCE's ongoing climate risk projects in Africa and explain how your Zimbabwean context expertise adds unique value.
