Postdoc position – Utrecht University

Plastic in the ocean is a major problem, but our understanding of the distribution, pathways and fate of the plastic litter is very limited. The project ‘Tracking Of Plastics In Our Seas’, funded by the European Research Council, will create a novel comprehensive modelling framework that simulates plastic movement through the ocean, and uses that framework to significantly improve the understanding of the plastic pollution in our oceans.

The postdoc will develop a novel, highly efficient open-source code to track billions of individual virtual pieces of plastic through high-resolution ocean data. Building on the OceanParcels framework, the postdoc will write, test and analyse what is aimed to become the world’s most sophisticated Lagrangian ocean modelling code.

Working within a team, the postdoc will use this code on High Performance Computing (HPC) facilities to investigate how ocean currents move plastic around the ocean, by tracking billions of individual particles in high-resolution numerical models.

Requirements:

The candidate is offered a full-time position for 1 year with a possibility for a 1.5 years extension. The gross salary, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and work experience, is in the range between €2.552,- and maximum €4.691,- (scale 10/11 Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) gross per month for a full time employment. The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. In addition we offer: a pension scheme, a partially paid parental leave, flexible employment conditions. The research group will provide the candidate with necessary support on all aspects of the project. For further information: working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a charming old center and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its century-old university. Utrecht city has been consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the Netherlands.

The Faculty of Science consists of six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information and Computing Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and Mathematics. The Faculty is home to 5600 students and nearly 1500 staff and is internationally renowned for the quality of its research. The Faculty’s academic programmes reflect developments in today’s society.

The mission of the Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht (IMAU) is to contribute to the basic science of the oceans, atmosphere and cryosphere. This knowledge is used in studies on climate change and the possible implications for mankind.

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from Dr Erik van Sebille. As part of the selection procedure, the candidate is expected to give an outline of his/her research plans in a written report and an oral presentation.