Postdoc (m/f/d) for ocean and climate modelling and ocean dynamics

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About GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel

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. The Ocean Dynamics Research Unit at GEOMAR employs numerical ocean and Earth system models, observational data, theory, and novel data science methods to advance our understanding of the physical processes governing the ocean and climate systems.

The role

The Ocean Dynamics Research Unit is offering a fixed-term position, starting 01 January 2027 (pending funding availability), for up to 5 years. As part of the Helmholtz Association’s program-oriented funding, the scientist will contribute to ongoing research in theoretical and physical oceanography and climate science within a motivated, interdisciplinary team, while also establishing their own research priorities. These could, for example, relate to the FUTURO campaign, scheduled for 2029, which focuses on the role of West African upwelling regions within the climate and Earth system. The scientist is expected to actively advance research priorities in theoretical oceanography and ocean/Earth system modeling at GEOMAR and to contribute to the strategic direction.

Responsibilities

• Participation in the planning, proposal preparation, and execution of research projects in the fields of climate and ocean dynamics and modeling, as well as theoretical oceanography; interdisciplinary research projects are also highly welcome
• Further development of modeling infrastructure within the Research Unit and at GEOMAR, particularly in the context of major international modeling initiatives, such as the FUTURO campaign
• Publication of scientific results in international peer-reviewed literature
• Participation in interdisciplinary research projects at GEOMAR
• Active engagement within the research group, including the (co-)supervision of theses, internships, and scientific staff

Qualifications and experience

Required

• Completed university degree and a Ph.D. in oceanography, climate science, applied mathematics, physics, or a related field
• Proven track record as a researcher in ocean or climate modeling, theoretical oceanography, or related areas, demonstrated by publications in international peer-reviewed journals and/or a very good doctoral thesis
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

Desirable

• Experience in ocean or climate modeling (e.g., using FESOM or NEMO) and in the processing and analysis of large (model-based) datasets, as well as experience working with (high-performance) computing infrastructure
• Experience in the application process and/or implementation of scientific projects
• Proficiency in spoken and written German is desirable but not required

Salary and benefits

Provided the relevant requirements are met, compensation is paid up to pay grade E 13 (TVöD-Bund). Currently 31 vacation days plus additional time off at Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, company pension plan and capital-forming benefits, possibility of mobile working and individual working time arrangements.

Location and schedule

A workplace directly on the Kiel Fjord. The regular weekly working hours correspond to those of a full-time position. Part-time employment is generally possible within the framework of appropriate work-schedule models.

Deadline and how to apply

Submit your complete application materials (cover letter, resume, list of publications if applicable, and relevant certificates, particularly academic transcripts) by 14 October 2026 via the GEOMAR online application portal at https://bewerbungsportal.geomar.de/en/application-form/P000316168. For further information contact Prof. Dr. Stephan Juricke (Tel. 0431 600-4003, sjuricke(at)geomar.de). Keyword: “Climate modelling”.