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 Marine Biogeochemical Modelling of the research division 2: Marine Biogeochemistry is offering a position as a
Scientist (m/f/d) in Marine biogeochemical Modelling
starting on March 1st, 2027 or soon thereafter, for a 3-year period with the possibility for a 3-year extension.
Job Description
We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in marine biogeochemical cycles and their interaction with ocean circulation and the global climate system. The successful candidate is encouraged to develop her/his own research profile while collaborating with other members of the Marine Biogeochemical Modelling research unit and, if applicable, other scientists at GEOMAR or the wider research environment in Kiel, including Kiel University. Possible research areas include the investigation of the impacts of ocean ventilation on ocean oxygen and carbon inventories. The use of transient tracers to assess ocean ventilation with a focus on biogeochemical cycles could also be a research focus. We expect the successful candidate to carry out top-level research and publish in high-quality scientific journals, to participate in emerging research opportunities and proposal writing, and to develop an independent and competitive research agenda.
Qualification
We are looking for a creative and committed scientist with a PhD degree in a natural sciences subject and demonstrated experience in global biogeochemical ocean or Earth system modelling. Experience in working as part of an interdisciplinary and diverse research team would be helpful. Very good scientific writing, presentation, and communication skills in English are 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 benefits, 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 day-care centre 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
- 31 vacation days plus additional time off at Christmas and New Year’s Eve
- Corporate Benefits for employees
- Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits
The position is limited to 3 years, an extension by 3 more years is possible.
The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class E 13 TVöD Bund of the German tariff for public employees. This is a full-time position and there is the possibility to split it. The fixed-term contract shall comply with Section 2 Paragraph 1 of The Act of Academic Fixed-Term Contract (German WissZeitVG).
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, including a CV with certificates (Master, PhD), a brief (max. 2 pages) conceptual research plan indicating your scientific and career goals as well as how you plan to interact and co-operate with the existing activities within the research unit Biogeochemical Modelling, GEOMAR and international programs, mentioning the keyword "BGC Modelling 2026" in the subject line. Please send your application not later than November 24th, 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. Ivy Frenger (ifrenger(at)geomar.de) or Prof. Dr. Andreas Oschlies (aoschlies(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 “BGC Modelling 2026”.
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.
This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.