Coastal Ocean Modeler

Rotterdam Innovation City; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ocean Cleanup in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, seeks a researcher to advance numerical models for the dispersion of floating plastics from rivers and offshore sources in coastal areas. You will source high‑resolution circulation data and create emission scenarios to support coastal mitigation strategies.

The role emphasizes field‑work guidance, model refinement for fate processes like beaching and degradation, and the production of reports and visualizations for internal teams and external

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in environmental sciences, physical oceanography, coastal oceanography, numerical modelling or similar.
• Proficiency with Python (preferred), R, or Matlab for data analysis.
• Proficiency with Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Experience with ocean circulation and particle dispersal modelling is required.

Responsibilities

• Implementation of numerical models simulating the dispersion of floating ocean plastics from river and offshore sources.
• Sourcing high‑resolution ocean circulation data in coastal domains.
• Creation of source scenarios reproducing land‑based and maritime emissions of ocean plastics.
• Guide and support the design of field‑work campaigns based on numerical modelling results.
• Refinement of modelling processes for simulating the fate of plastic pollution (beaching, sinking, degradation).
• Creation of reports for impact monitoring and peer‑reviewed manuscripts.
• Production of intuitive, data-rich geographical visualizations for field scientists and stakeholders.
• Attendance and contribution to international scientific conferences.

Skills

Oceanography

Numerical modelling

Python

R

MATLAB

GIS

Education

Master's degree in environmental sciences

PhD in coastal/oceanography or numerical modelling

Tools

GIS

Job description

POSTED: 9th April 2026
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible
LOCATION: The role is based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands
FULL TIME

Mission to Metrics

The mission of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop technology to rid the world’s oceans and rivers of plastic. To be successful, we rely on a thorough understanding of the ocean plastic pollution problem. The research team aims at refining our understanding of the sources, transport and fate of ocean plastics, supporting our mission by implementing plastic dispersal models that simulate the coastal transport of floating plastics from river and offshore sources to accumulation areas and helping us quantify the impact of our different projects worldwide.

"At The Ocean Cleanup, our scientists work at the forefront of research on plastic pollution in rivers and oceans. The insights you generate will play a key role in improving our cleanup strategies. Join our diverse and international science team to contribute to tackling one of today’s most urgent environmental challenges." — Dr Thomas Mani, Lead River Plastic Research

The Assignment

• Implementation of numerical models simulating the dispersion of floating ocean plastics from river and offshore sources in target coastal areas.
• Sourcing high‑resolution ocean circulation data in coastal domains.
• Creation of source scenarios reproducing land‑based and maritime emissions of ocean plastics into the marine environment.
• Guide and support the design of field‑work campaigns based on numerical modelling results.
• Refinement of modelling processes for simulating the fate of plastic pollution in coastal environments such as beaching, sinking, degradation, etc., based on learnings from the field and the literature.
• Creation of reports for impact monitoring and peer‑reviewed scientific manuscripts.
• Production of intuitive and data‑rich geographical data visualizations to orient our field scientists, simulate The Ocean Cleanup’s impact, and engage internal and external stakeholders.
• Attendance and contribution to international scientific conferences.

Professional Qualifications

• Masters or PhD degree in environmental sciences, physical oceanography, coastal oceanography, numerical modelling or similar.
• At least two years of experience with ocean circulation and particle dispersal modelling for material in the ocean (plastics, oil spills, sediments, fish larvae, etc.).
• Knowledge of coastal and ocean circulation processes.
• Proficiency with mathematical scripting and data science using software such as Python (preferred), R, or Matlab.
• Proficiency with Geographic Information System (GIS).

Personal Qualifications

• Self‑motivated, “can do” mentality.
• Intrinsic motivation to work on our ambitious and meaningful goal.
• Ability to clearly present, explain and summarize results.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Able to perform well in a fast‑paced and challenging environment.
• Flexible team player.
• Ability to work independently.

Additional Details

• Starting date: As soon as possible.
• Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
• Please note: Because we are a non‑profit, our salaries reflect the nature of an organization fully reliant on donations rather than that of a commercial entity. Conducting a pre‑employment check is part of our recruitment process.