Stillingsbeskrivelse
**Zooca (Calanus AS)**
is a Norwegian biomarine pioneer headquartered in Tromsø, with production facilities in Sortland. Since 2002, we have developed, produced, and commercialized unique, science-based ingredients and products derived from
*Calanus finmarchicus*
—one of the largest renewable resources in the Norwegian Sea.
Our products are documented through more than 20 years of research, including preclinical and clinical studies, as well as a significant number of scientific publications. We are now strengthening our organization with a permanent
**Head of Science – Human Health and Nutrition**
, who will serve as the key link between science, market, and commercial activities.
**About the role**
As
**Head of Science – Human Health and Nutrition**
, you will hold a central and highly visible position at Zooca. You will be the company’s scientific authority and an important partner for sales, marketing, and business development. The role is broad but with clear priorities: the most important task is to build on a strong scientific foundation to support sales and marketing through accurate, credible, and effective communication.
This is not a traditional research position. Zooca does not conduct its own basic research; however, the role requires a high level of scientific understanding, the ability to lead and coordinate external R&D activities, and the capacity to translate research into practical, commercial, and regulatory-relevant insights.
**Key responsibilities**
- Develop and ensure that all product and market communication is scientifically accurate, consistent, strategic, and commercially applicable
- Participate in customer meetings as a scientific expert and actively contribute to technical and scientific dialogues with customers and partners
- Deliver “science onboarding” and scientific training for customers, partners, and internal sales teams
- Build and maintain professional networks nationally and internationally
- Stay up to date with the research frontier within nutrition, lipids, metabolism, and related fields
- Lead, initiate, and coordinate external R&D projects and collaborations
- Apply for public funding schemes and manage projects upon award
- Contribute at the interface between science and regulatory affairs
**Who are we looking for?**
We are looking for a scientifically strong professional who thrives at the intersection of science and commercial application, and who is confident, outgoing, and clear in communication.
**Relevant backgrounds may include:**
- A master’s degree, preferably a PhD, in nutrition science, pharmacy, biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine, nursing, or related fields
- Experience from research, industry, or ideally a combination of both
- Understanding of clinical studies and scientific documentation
- Experience communicating scientific content to both specialists and non-specialist audiences is an advantage
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken
**Personal qualities**
- Strong communication skills and confidence in dialogue with customers and partners
- Outgoing, relationship-oriented, and comfortable in presentations and advisory settings
- Trust-building and collaborative
- Thrives with broad responsibility and high visibility
- Motivated by sustainability, ocean-based resources, and human health
Norwegian language skills are not required but are an advantage. The position is well suited for international candidates.
**We offer**
- A key role in a growing, internationally oriented biomarine company
- The opportunity to work closely with science, market, and sustainability
- A strong, interdisciplinary professional environment
- Workplace in Tromsø, with close collaboration with Sortland and international partners
- Competitive terms, a solid pension scheme, and health insurance
- An inclusive, engaged, and values-driven work environment
**Questions?**
Please contact the company’s advisor
**Marius Tzatchev**
at LHH, M: +47 32 51 81, or
**Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer Marianne Mæhlum**
, M: +47 93 43 55 55, for further information.
**Application deadline: 25 January 2026**
Zooca® (Calanus AS) is a Norwegian bio-marine company that develops, produces, and commercializes unique functional health and nutrition products based on the sustainable utilization of the marine zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus, one of the largest renewable marine resources globally.
The company operates in both Norwegian and international markets and collaborates globally with industrial and scientific partners. Zooca® is the only company in Norway engaged in the industrial utilization of zooplankton.
Zooca® has carried out extensive research and development activities within harvesting technology, process and application development, product development, and scientific documentation for commercialization.
The main product, Zooca® Calanus® Oil, is used as a high-quality nutritional ingredient for human health. In animal health, the portfolio includes Zooca® Hydrolysate, Zooca® Powder, Zooca® AstaLipids, Zooca® NutriPods, and Zooca® SeaFrozen, which are used as functional ingredients in aquaculture, pet nutrition, and other applications across several markets.
ABOUT ZOOCA® CALANUS® OIL
Zooca® Calanus® Oil is derived from Calanus finmarchicus, a zooplankton sustainably harvested in the Norwegian sea. The oil is unrefined, preserving its full spectrum of over 40 naturally occurring fatty acids, including the essential omega-3s EPA, DHA, and SDA. It also contains marine policosanols and astaxanthin—a unique combination of bioactive compounds clinically studied to support metabolic health, body composition, heart health and glucose management. This broad and balanced nutritional profile sets Zooca® Calanus® Oil apart as a novel, next-generation marine oil, going beyond traditional omega-3 supplements.
