Coastal Ocean Modeler: Plastics Transport Modeling

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

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