Ocean Career: GEOMAR Ocean Modeling and Ocean Dynamics Scientist

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a foundation under public law jointly financed by the Federal Republic of Germany (90%) and the State of Schleswig-Holstein (10%). It is one of the internationally leading institutions in the field of marine research.

Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we contribute significantly to the preservation of the function and protection of the ocean for future generations. The research unit Ocean Dynamics at GEOMAR uses numerical models, observations, theory, and novel data science methods to advance our understanding of physical processes in the ocean and climate system. Scientific foci are, among others, i) the circulation in the Atlantic, Pacific, and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, ii) the global relevance of oceanic eddies, turbulence, and upwelling, iii) the interaction of different physical processes und their role in ocean mixing, iv) scale interactions between ocean and atmosphere, and v) the role of the oceans in the climate system. These foci are imbedded in the research division 1 Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics at GEOMAR, requiring a close collaboration between research units that carry out measurements and those that do climate modelling, as well as further interdisciplinary collaborations.

The scientist will contribute within the framework of the program-oriented funding of the Helmholtz Association and as part of a motivated, interdisciplinary team to current research topics in theoretical and physical oceanography and will also set own priorities. Independent conception of application for and implementation of scientific third party projects is desirable. The scientist will actively contribute to the continuous development of scientific foci in the fields of theoretical oceanography and ocean modelling at GEOMAR and will participate in the strategic alignment of the working group.

The research unit Ocean Dynamics of the research division 1 Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics is offering a Scientist position for ocean modelling and ocean dynamics with prospect of tenure starting as early as possible. The position is limited for 3+3 years. The scientific achievements are evaluated after three years. If the evaluation is successful, there is the possibility of employment in a permanent position.

Job Description

  • Planning of, application for and implementation of scientific projects in the fields of ocean dynamics and modelling, and theoretical oceanography; interdisciplinary research is greatly encouraged
  • Advancement of the modelling strategy and infrastructure within the research unit and at GEOMAR in general
  • Publication of scientific results in international journals
  • Contribution to interdisciplinary research at GEOMAR
  • Scientific and personnel responsibility in the working group, including in particular the recruitment and supervision of new personnel

Required Qualifications

  • Completed studies and PhD in oceanography, climate science, applied mathematics, physics or another related field
  • Several years of successful scientific work in ocean or climate modelling and/or theoretical oceanography, evidenced by publications in international journals
  • Ability to work in a team and to manage personnel, evidenced by e.g., collaborative research projects, student research projects and/or supervision of students
  • Very good command of English in speech and writing

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience in ocean model development (e.g., with FESOM or NEMO), analysis and processing of large (model-)data volumes, and experience in using (high performance) computing for modelling and/or model data analysis
  • Experience in funding acquisition and scientific project implementation
  • Good command of German in speech and writing is desirable but not required; it is, however, expected that the candidate will acquire such skills within the first three years

At a workplace, directly on the Kiel Fjord with many leisure and recreational opportunities, we offer you:

  • Good conditions for work-life balance: We offer, among other things, the possibility of mobile working and individual working time arrangements, vacation courses for the children of our employees, and good support in finding a place in a daycare center at the Kiel site
  • Support services for professional and personal life situations
  • An exciting work environment with the opportunity to provide important impetus for the development of sustainable solutions
  • Exciting topics in an international environment
  • Work in the field of marine and climate research, a forward-looking area with social significance
  • 30 vacation days + additional time off at Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
  • Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits

The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class E14 TVöD-Bund of the German tariff for public employees. This is a full-time position. The position cannot be split. Flexible working models are in principle possible. Part-time job is possible. The fixed-term contract shall comply with Section 2 Paragraph 1 of The Act of Academic Fixed-Term Contract (German WissZeitVG).

Closing Date: November 24, 2023

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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