PhD Computer Science - Data Science (m/f/d)- GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel

GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel; Kiel; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

An ocean research institute in Kiel is seeking a candidate for a doctoral position focusing on AI-derived thermodynamic parameters in marine data science. The role requires a Master’s degree in Computer Sciences or a similar field, experience in machine learning, and strong programming skills in Python. This full-time position offers financial support and a vibrant research environment dedicated to sustainable ocean solutions.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

Mobile working options

30 vacation days

Company pension plan

Assistance finding daycare

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree or equivalent by project start.
• Experience in machine learning.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Experience in Python programming.

Kenntnisse

Machine learning

Fluent English communication

Python programming

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in Computer Sciences or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

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.

Position and affiliation

The research unit Marine Mineral Resources of the research division Dynamics of the Ocean Floor - Magmatic and Hydrothermal Systems offers the following position starting on 01. January 2026 or soon after. The position provides the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in natural or computer science as a member of the graduate school “Helmholtz School for Marine Data Science” (MarDATA). MarDATA trains a new generation of marine data scientists by integrating computer science and mathematics with ocean sciences.

For more information, visit: https://www.mardata.de/.

Project focus

Project: AI-derived thermodynamic parameters for aqueous modelling (AI-queous) within the MARDATA doctoral network. The project intersects Computer Science and Chemical Oceanography with a focus on Computer Science aspects. The successful candidate will work on developing a physics-informed, hybrid AI model to calculate key chemical parameters that are currently poorly constrained across a wide range of pressure, temperature and salinity (pTS). The goal is to improve predictive accuracy and consistency of these parameters for complex geochemical systems, including deep-sea hydrothermal vent environments of geothermal fluids.

The project bridges modern artificial intelligence with geochemical modelling to advance understanding of marine trace elements, resource systems and subsurface processes relevant to environmental and geoscientific risk assessments. The work will be conducted within a project consortium led by Dr. Laura Haffert and Prof. Dr. Sylvia Sander (GEOMAR), in close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Kevin Köser (Computer Science, Kiel University).

Joining these groups provides exposure to field campaigns, laboratory analyses, and models for trace metal behaviour in marine environments, together with AI technology for ocean observations.

Qualification profile

Required

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Sciences or a related field by the beginning of the project
• Experience in machine learning
• Ability to communicate fluently in spoken and written English
• Experience in programming, including Python

If the required degree is not completed at the time of application, the degree certificate must be handed in before the start date of the contract and the application must contain plausible evidence that the degree can be finished before that date.

Desired

• Interest in marine processes
• Basic knowledge of chemistry
• Ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team and the MarDATA school
• Good communication skills
• Ability and interest to delve into a new topic, including in a field of natural sciences
• Implementation and public sharing of own programming projects

Benefits

• Good conditions for work-life balance: flexible working, mobile working options, vacation courses for the children of employees, and assistance in finding daycare at the Kiel site
• Support services for professional and personal life situations
• An exciting work environment contributing to sustainable solutions
• International environment and topics in marine and climate research
• 30 vacation days plus additional time off at Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
• Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits

Role details

The position is available for a funding period of 3 years and should be filled as soon as possible. The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class E13 TVöD-Bund of the German tariff for public employees. This is a full-time position and cannot be split. The fixed-term contract shall comply with Section 2 Paragraph 1 of The Act of Academic Fixed-Term Contract (WissZeitVG).

GEOMAR 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.