Working as a researcher in Greenland: here's how to get started

Research in Greenland is just as much about planning and collaboration as it is about laboratories and data. Whether you end up in Nuuk, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Qaqortoq, Aasiaat, or in the field between the towns, daily life is characterized by distances, weather, and a close relationship with the local community.

What types of research jobs are there in Greenland?

When people search for “researcher Greenland,” they often look for one specific role. In practice, job opportunities range from university positions to project roles and consulting in the public sector. Many positions are time-limited projects with external funding, where you can be employed by a Greenlandic organization or come as a guest researcher through a Danish or international environment.

• Climate, ice, and geoscience: glaciology, meteorology, geology, seismology, and oceanography. May involve field campaigns, instrument operation, and data analysis.
• Biology and environment: marine ecosystems, fisheries and marine mammal research, biodiversity, pollution measurements, and environmental monitoring.
• Health research: epidemiology, public health, clinical projects, and quality development in collaboration with the healthcare system.
• Society, language, and culture: anthropology, sociology, history, education, language (Greenlandic/Danish), governance, and political processes.
• Technology and Arctic infrastructure: construction in Arctic conditions, energy, supply, telecommunications, and logistics.

Some positions are located in or around the larger towns, but many projects take place partially in smaller locations or on ships/stations. Therefore, “working in Greenland” as a researcher is often a combination of office/analytical work and periods of travel or fieldwork.

Employers and partners you typically meet

Greenland is characterized by a significant public sector presence. At the same time, research is often cross-disciplinary: you can be employed in one place and collaborate closely with authorities, municipalities, or international partners.

• Self-government and public institutions: projects linked to governance, environment, resources, education, or health.
• Municipalities: particularly in projects about planning, climate adaptation, social initiatives, and local data collection.
• The healthcare system: research and development projects with data, quality, and patient pathways.
• Educational and research environments: both local environments and collaborations with universities abroad.
• Private actors: e.g., consulting, Arctic technology, energy, construction, and maritime sector; often project-based.

If you want to get an overview of organizations, you can start by looking at companies in Greenland and noting which ones frequently collaborate across sectors.

Qualifications, languages, and what actually determines your success

Formal requirements depend on the field and employer: some positions require a PhD and publications, while others are aimed at project employees, field technicians, data managers, or research assistants. It is rarely just the CV that determines it. Logistical robustness and the ability to work respectfully in a small community count heavily.

• Professional profile: PhD or relevant master's level; experience with Arctic datasets, field methods, GIS, statistics, or laboratory work can be crucial.
• Project and collaboration skills: budget, timeline, reporting to funders, and coordination with local partners.
• Ethics and local collaboration: informed consent, data management, and clear dialogue about purpose and benefits for the local community.
• Languages: Danish serves as a working language in many places, English is often necessary in research collaborations. Greenlandic is a significant advantage in fieldwork, communication, and in projects with close citizen contact.
• Safety and field competencies: first aid, planning in cold climates, boating/snowmobile context (where relevant), and respect for local recommendations.

Terms, housing, and daily life: what the job posting doesn’t always explain

Salary and employment terms vary greatly depending on the employer, funding, collective agreements, and whether you are recruited from outside. Some positions come with assigned or temporary housing, while others do not. In the larger towns, housing can be the most significant practical hurdle, so clarify this early in the dialogue.

• Travel and transport: flights and helicopters are often part of the logistics; weather can shift schedules. Plan with a buffer.
• Data and equipment: access to laboratories, internet, power, and spare parts may be limited outside the largest towns. Good documentation and redundancy are invaluable.
• Work pace: field seasons can be intense, while other periods are characterized by analysis, reporting, and communication.
• Local community: you become visible quickly. Good research practice in Greenland also means being able to explain your project at eye level and giving something back (e.g., local presentations or result dissemination).

If you want to have the practical framework in place, also read the guide to working in Greenland and what you need to know when moving to Greenland for work.

How to find jobs in Greenland as a researcher (and related roles)

“Jobs in Greenland” as a researcher may be advertised as research positions, but just as often as project leader, consultant, specialist consultant, AC employee, laboratory staff, data analyst, or field coordinator. Look for responsibilities and tasks, not just the title.

1. Narrow your focus: do you primarily want to research, or do you thrive in a role with management, consulting, and reporting?
2. Read postings for logistics: travel activity, field periods, safety requirements, access to equipment, and expectations for communication.
3. Ask specifically about housing and start-up: especially if you are moving to Nuuk, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Qaqortoq, Aasiaat, or a smaller village.
4. Document field and collaboration experience: briefly and precisely in the application; mention how you handle unpredictability and collaboration with locals.
5. Show respect for the context: describe how you will share results and work responsibly with data and participants.

See current opportunities via all available positions in Greenland and filter for both research, project positions, and specialist roles, so you don’t overlook the jobs that truly match your profile.