Science Operations Coordinator

About REV Ocean

REV Ocean exists to protect and restore ocean systems. REV, its 195-meter research and expedition vessel, is an extraordinary addition to the global philanthropic fleet - uniting scientists, policymakers and innovators where decisions about the ocean need to be made. Our work is anchored in marine protected areas, and extends to marine plastic pollution, training the next generation of ocean scientists and ocean literacy for decision-makers. Founded in Oslo, Norway in 2017, REV Ocean is a team of 85 and growing. Learn more at revocean.org  

Position overview

The Science Operations Coordinator ensures that the operational side of REV Ocean’s science programme runs smoothly. The role is responsible for practical readiness across REV's 9 labs, bench-top and small scientific equipment, consumables, documentation and mission logistics, so that scientists can focus on their work without being limited by coordination gaps or technical constraints. 

This is a hands-on, execution-focused role. You will work closely with the Science Programme Manager, Science Director, vessel operations team, science technicians, data colleagues, suppliers and ocean experts on board. You will support missions from preparation through mobilisation, onboard coordination to support scientific activities and demobilization.

The role is based in Norway and includes regular and extended periods at sea (up to 6 months in the initial year of operations). 

Key responsibilities

Mission preparation and coordination 

• Coordinate cruise preparation, mobilization, and demobilization - working in direct collaboration with the vessel operations and relevant ship teams 

• Ensure all bench-top and small scientific equipment, consumables, and lab materials are prepared, tested, calibrated and ready ahead of each mission 

• Liaise with the Science Programme Manager on scientific scope and participation requirements, translating these into operational preparation tasks 

• Support with logistics for scientific personnel joining the vessel  

Lab and equipment management 

• Set up, maintain, and manage lab spaces onboard — ensuring they are configured correctly for each mission's scientific requirements 

• Prepare, track, and maintain scientific equipment and consumables across the full inventory 

• Maintain equipment condition records and flag maintenance, calibration, or replacement needs in a timely way 

• Ensure readiness between missions - including maintenance, calibration, and restocking of lab equipment and consumables 
  

Onboard science support 

• Support scientists during missions with practical and technical needs -  acting as the operational backbone of the science team onboard 

• Coordinate with the subsea team, science systems team, science technicians and vessel crew on practical science support - equipment handling, deck operations, sample storage and laboratory services 

• Ensure day-to-day science activities onboard run to plan - flagging operational issues to the Science Programme Manager or Science Director as they arise 

Documentation and inventory 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date inventories of scientific equipment, consumables and lab supplies 

• Develop and maintain operational documentation - including equipment logs, maintenance records, data sheets for hazardous materials, and mission preparation checklists 

• Ensure documentation is well-organised, accessible, and kept current between missions 

Cross-functional coordination 

• Coordinate closely with the vessel operations team on mission logistics, equipment loading, and science-specific operational requirements 

• Liaise with the Data Lead on data system readiness and practical data capture needs during missions 


• Support the Science Programme Manager with operational inputs to mission planning and pre-cruise preparation 


• Work with suppliers on equipment procurement, consumables restocking, maintenance and service coordination


• Build effective working relationships with internal teams, shipboard personnel, external scientists and technical partners

Competency requirements

Required or strongly preferred experience

• Relevant education or experience in marine science, laboratory science, field operations, ocean technology, logistics, or a related area


• Experience from research vessels or marine fieldwork

• Experience preparing, maintaining, or operating scientific equipment - particularly lab-based equipment

• Experience with laboratory workflows, field sampling, research cruises, or expedition logistics. 


• Familiarity with preparing and maintaining laboratory spaces for molecular work, including sterile workflows, contamination control, clean surfaces, consumables readiness and appropriate separation of clean and sample-handling areas

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage inventories, checklists, documentation and multiple operational tasks

• Ability to work safely with scientific equipment, consumables, samples and lab materials

• Good written and spoken English. 

• Willingness and ability to spend regular periods at sea

• Ability to pass required seagoing medical and safety certification

Useful additional experience

• Familiarity with oceanographic, biological, chemical, geological, or environmental sampling equipment

• Knowledge of calibration, maintenance routines, hazardous materials documentation, or cold-chain logistics

• Experience supporting molecular or eDNA workflows through lab setup, equipment readiness, consumables preparation, contamination-prevention routines or clean-lab procedures


• Experience working with international scientists or multidisciplinary teams 


• Experience coordinating suppliers, service providers, or technical support

Personal qualities 

• Practical, organised and attentive to detail.


• Calm and constructive when plans change


• Comfortable in a hands-on, operational role


• Proactive in identifying issues before they become problems


• Clear in communication and good at following up


• Service minded and collaborative, while able to set boundaries when needed


• Comfortable working at sea and contributing to a safe, well-functioning team environment

We offer

• Opportunity to work with great people in a hugely innovative arena to create real impact


• Opportunities for growth and development, access to learning resources


• A diverse and inclusive, internationally-minded working environment


• Open and friendly company culture


• Flat structure with direct access to decision makers


• Competitive salary and benefits (including pension plans, insurance, health care and more)


• Access to an outstanding private medical clinic, free staffed gym and new attractive offices


• Subsidized lunch


• All the tools you need to be productive

Line of reporting

The Science Operations Coordinator reports to the Science Director.

Workplace

Fornebu, Norway with regular and extended periods at sea

For questions regarding the position, please contact: 

Eva Ramirez-Llodra, Science Director, [email protected]

Josephine Rapp, Science Programme Manager, [email protected]

Application deadline: July 12th 2026

NB! We only accepts applications sent through BambooHR application link