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Postdoc (m/f/d) for ocean and climate modelling and ocean dynamics
Posted on Sep 11, 2026
Postdoc (m/f/d) for ocean and climate modelling and ocean dynamics
Deadline: 14th October 2026
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 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. Key areas of focus include: 1.) the global significance of ocean eddies, turbulence, and upwelling; 2.) the interplay of various physical processes and their role in ocean mixing; 3.) interactions between the ocean, atmosphere, and biogeochemistry; and 4.) the fundamental role of the oceans within the climate and Earth system. These focal areas are embedded within GEOMAR’s Research Division 1 (Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics), necessitating and facilitating close collaboration with observational and modeling research groups at GEOMAR, as well as broader interdisciplinary cooperation.
The Ocean Dynamics Research Unit is offering a fixed-term position, starting 01. January 2027 (pending funding availability), for up to 5 years as a
Postdoc (m/f/d)
for ocean and climate modelling and ocean dynamics
Job Description
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 https://futuro-campaign.org/index.html – scheduled for 2029 – which focuses on the role of West African upwelling regions within the climate and Earth system. Participation in the conceptualization, proposal development, and execution of international scientific research projects is strongly encouraged. Furthermore, 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. A thematic overview of the Ocean Dynamics Research Unit can be found at https://www.geomar.de/en/fb1-od.
Your Tasks
- 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
Qualification
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, demonstrated, for example, through collaboration on (inter)national projects or interdisciplinary research initiatives
- 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 for running and/or analyzing models
- Experience in participating in the application process and/or implementation of scientific projects
- Proficiency in spoken and written German is desirable but not required
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
- Currently 31 vacation days + additional time off at Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
- Corporate Benefits for employees
- Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits
The fixed-term nature of the position is based on Section §2 Abs. 1 of the German WissZeitVG.
Provided the relevant requirements are met, compensation is paid up to pay grade E 13 (TVöD-Bund). The regular weekly working hours correspond to those of a full-time position. The position cannot be split. Part-time employment is generally possible within the framework of appropriate work-schedule models.
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 submit your complete and detailed application materials (cover letter, resume, and list of publications, if applicable, as well as relevant certificates, particularly academic transcripts) by 14. October 2026 via our application portal at the following link:
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 Prof. Dr. Stephan Juricke (Tel.: 0431 600-4003, E-Mail: sjuricke(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 “Climate modelling”.
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.