Coastal Ocean Modeler

Mission to Metrics

The Ocean Cleanup is a global nonprofit that develops and scales solutions to rid the world’s oceans of plastic, driving systemic change, and creating a lasting positive impact for people, wildlife, and the planet. To be successful, we rely on a thorough understanding of the ocean plastic pollution problem. The research team at The Ocean Cleanup aims at refining our understanding of the sources, transport and fate of ocean plastics. You will support our mission by implementing plastic dispersal models simulating the coastal transport of floating plastics from river and offshore sources to accumulation areas, helping us quantify the impact of our different projects in rivers and the ocean across the world.

“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 Lagrangian particle tracking 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 and, where no suitable model exists, supporting its development.
• Designing site-specific 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, as well as engage internal and external stakeholders.
• Attendance and contribution to international scientific conferences.

Professional Qualifications

Even if you don’t meet every professional qualification listed, we strongly encourage you to apply if you believe you have the right skills, experience, and motivation to contribute to our mission. We recognize that talent and potential come in many forms, and we value diverse perspectives and unconventional career paths. If you’re passionate about the work we do and confident in your ability to make an impact, don’t hesitate to submit your application—we’d love to hear from you.

• Masters or PhD degree in environmental sciences, physical oceanography, coastal oceanography, numerical modelling or similar.
• At least two years of experience with numerical modelling (e.g. ROMS, CROCO, NEMO, Delft3D or similar) and particle dispersal modelling (e.g. Parcels) for material in the ocean (plastics, oil spills, sediments, fish larvae, etc.).
• Knowledge of coastal and hydrodynamic processes.
• Proficiency with mathematical scripting and data science using software such as Python (preferred), R or Matlab.
• Proficiency with Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Proficiency in working with cloud computing (AWS) and git version control.

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 communications 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: September 2026