Physical oceanographer

Are you excited and motivated to contribute to pioneering climate research that addresses real world challenges? The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) is looking for a physical oceanographer to conduct research using the NEMO ocean model, in collaboration with experts across (inter)national networks. Based in De Bilt, you will play a key role in refining KNMI's climate scenarios, helping communities prepare for the local impacts of climate change. If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply and join our team!

What will you be doing?

In this role, you will be KNMI's specialist on the NEMO ocean model. With this expertise, you will contribute to the development of the EC-EARTH climate model, which uses NEMO as its ocean component.You will contribute to the understanding and modelling of vertical mixing in the ocean for more realistic model simulations of future climate including the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Your research will focus on the impact of ocean processes on sea level rise and warming in the North Atlantic and North Sea. In collaboration with colleagues at KNMI, you will also investigate the link between these oceanic changes and shifting atmospheric processes.

This gives you energy

You are motivated by the opportunity to contribute directly to scientific advancements that will support climate resilience. You are fascinated by the physics of ocean dynamics and ocean mixing as well as by the technical aspects of numerically modelling the ocean. Working in a dedicated team of climate experts at KNMI and collaborating with scientists (inter)nationally excites you. Together you will strive to generate insights that equip communities to address the future challenges of climate change.

• you have a PhD in physical oceanography or a closely related discipline
• you have a proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• You have experience with Linux, Python and Fortran
• You have experience with analysing ocean model simulations

You recognize yourself in the following characteristics:

As an ocean model specialist, you stay current with ocean models developments and bring a proactive, solution-oriented mindset to your work. You thrive in collaborative settings, while navigating easily within scientific and international environments where you communicate and write fluently in English. Your strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and commitment to scientific accuracy enable you to approach complex climate challenges with clarity and precision. You are adaptable, resilient, and eager to learn, which drives you to improve and innovate in the field of ocean modeling.

Advantageous skills/experience:

• experience with developing numerical ocean models
• knowledge of the NEMO model and the community of NEMO developers
• experience with developing numerical ocean models
• knowledge of software development and implementation for high performance computing

Plenty of growth and development opportunities

The central government attaches great importance to personal growth and career development and offers numerous opportunities for this. These include attending training courses and obtaining certifications. We also offer career coaching if you need it.

Interesting extras

In addition to your salary, you receive an individual choice budget (IKB) consisting of vacation pay of 8% and an annual end-of-year bonus. This IKB consists of money (16.50% of your gross annual salary) and/or time. With the IKB you make the choices that suit you and you can compose part of your terms of employment yourself. For example, you can have part of your monthly income paid out whenever you wish, convert the IKB into leave or spend it on tax-friendly objectives. Our other fringe benefits include company fitness and full reimbursement of your commuting expenses.

• a first round of selection interviews has been planned for April 9th

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Meer over jouw toekomstige afdeling

The department Research and Development of Weather and Climate models (RDWK) investigates and develops research tools for weather and air quality prediction applications and climate research. We work on detailed physical processes, data assimilation, long term climate projections and practical applications including storm surge forecasts and statistics of extremes. RDWK participates in international projects directed towards a variety of weather and climate related research and development areas. The department has a strong international network.

The department performs its activities in collaboration with partners like ACCORD, EC-Earth, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and universities. We work for the national road and water authority Rijkswaterstaat, the Ministry for Infrastructure and Water Management, the Dutch research funding organisation (NWO), the European Copernicus programme and other European research programmes; and on servicing the operational weather forecast centre, climate scenarios and strategic research. The department collaborates with the other KNMI departments.

Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI)

The weather is temperamental, the ground moves and the climate changes. For our safety and prosperity, we need to know what risks and opportunities this brings. And: how we can best prepare ourselves. The Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI) is the national knowledge and data center for weather, climate and seismology. Reliable, independent and focused on what the Netherlands needs. For a safe Netherlands that is prepared for the impact of weather, climate and earthquakes.

We use our core values - Development, Cooperation and Relevance - to achieve our ambition, both within and outside KNMI, nationally and internationally. We develop our knowledge and expertise and work together to create a single KNMI that makes a difference to society!

Talent as the basis, diversity as the strength

The KNMI is an inclusive organization. An organization that provides space for everyone and uses the strength of its diverse workforce to achieve better results together for the Netherlands. Inclusive means that everyone feels involved and valued; not in spite of their differences, but thanks to them.

Organisationally, KNMI falls under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) is committed to a safe, accessible and liveable Netherlands. That is why the Ministry is working on powerful connections by road, rail, water and air. And IenW protects against flooding, ensures the quality of air, water and soil and the realization of a circular economy.

Stel gerust je vraag

Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI) nodigt je uit op hun site te solliciteren. Via onderstaande knop verlaat je deze site en ga je direct naar het sollicitatieformulier. Het Rijk hecht waarde aan een diverse en inclusieve organisatie. Werken in divers samengestelde teams maakt ons effectiever, innovatiever en het werk leuker. Eenieder wordt daarom uitgenodigd te solliciteren.