Scientific researcher (m/f/d) on satellite remote sensing of marine/ocean phytoplankton

GEOMAR

GEOMAR

Posted on Dec 5, 2025

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 Chemical Oceanography of the research division Marine Biogeochemistry is offering a position for a

Scientific researcher (m/f/d)

on satellite remote sensing of marine/ocean phytoplankton

starting on May 1st, 2026. The position is limited to 18 months.

Job Description

The goal of this project is to use satellite-detected chlorophyll-a fluorescence signals to deliver information on phytoplankton physiology, with a focus on phytoplankton nutrient limitation. This will utilise new insight gained from field and laboratory work conducted in the first phase of the overarching project ‘Ocean Glow’ funded by the European Research Council.

Qualifications

  • Diploma/ Master in natural sciences and a PhD with a focus on environmental/biological science or computational field
  • Demonstrated capacity for independent research
  • Programming skills (e.g. in R, Matlab, Python)
  • Excellent spoken and written English

Valuable assets include:

  • Research experience within ocean biogeochemistry, phytoplankton ecology/physiology
  • Research experience with satellite remote sensing

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 position is available for a funding period until 18 months. The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class 13 TVöD-Bund of the German tariff for public employees. This is a full-time position. The position can be split, provided that the position is filled on a full-time basis. Flexible working time models are generally possible.

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel seeks to increase the proportion of female scientists and explicitly encourages qualified female academics to apply. GEOMAR is an equal opportunity employer and encourages scientists with disabilities to apply. Qualified disabled applicants will receive preference in the application process.

Please send your application for this post not later than January 5th, 2026 under the following link:

Online application

As soon as the selection procedure has finished, all your application data will be removed according to data protection regulation.

For further information regarding the position and research unit please contact Dr. Thomas Browning (tbrowning(at)geomar.de).

We will answer all your questions if you send us an e-mail to bewerbung(at)geomar.de. In doing so, please refer to the keyword “Browning - Ocean Glow Satellite”.

For further information on GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel or the Helmholtz Association, please visit www.geomar.de or www.helmholtz.de.

GEOMAR is committed to an objective and non-discriminatory personnel selection. Our job advertisements address all people. We expressly renounce the submission of application photos.