Scientific Programmer (m/f/d) High-Resolution Ocean Physics and Numerical Experimentation

The Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology is a research institute of the Max Planck Society. It was founded in 1992 in the State of Bremen and employs around 200 staff members. In close collaboration with numerous university and non-university research institutions, we explore the diversity and function of microorganisms in the ocean and their interactions with their environment. Scientists from all over the world, engineers, technicians and administrative staff together make an important contribution to global marine and environmental research.

In the Department of Ocean Biosphere Dynamics, we are looking to fill a position as

Scientific Programmer (m/f/d)
High-Resolution Ocean Physics and Numerical Experimentation

The department investigates the dynamics of the ocean carbon cycle, its variability and predictability, and its role in the Earth system through climate-carbon cycle feedbacks operating across timescales from days to millennia. A central objective is to improve the representation of marine carbon, nutrient cycling and microbial processes in Earth System Models while increasing spatial model resolution to capture key physical and biogeochemical dynamics in the ocean.

To support this mission, we are seeking different Scientific Programmers (m/f/d) to drive the next generation of ocean biogeochemical modelling in Earth System Models. The successful candidates will contribute to the development, integration, and performance optimization of a state-of-the-art modelling framework, enabling increasingly sophisticated representations of marine biogeochemical processes and unprecedented high-resolution numerical experimentation. Together, they will help ensure that the modelling infrastructure combines scientific excellence with cutting-edge software engineering, delivering robust, efficient, and scalable performance on current and future exascale computing platforms.

The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments, integrate model developments using high- and low-resolution configurations of the ocean general circulation model ICON-O coupled with the ocean biogeochemical model HAMOCC within the ICON Earth system modeling frameworks to investigate how uncertainties in the representation of ocean circulation and physical processes influence biogeochemical simulations, and to identify model configurations that deliver the most robust biogeochemical performance.

A particular focus of the position will be a dedicated project involving the systematic evaluation and tuning of ICON-O parameters, building on recent advances in model developments related to mixed-layer mixing to enhance the representation of physical processes that underpin key biogeochemical dynamics.

The role involves close interactions with researchers, research students and model developers to translate scientific advances into reliable and maintainable model code. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and present research outcomes at scientific conferences.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and analyse high- and low-resolution ocean simulations based on the ICON modeling framework
• Explore parameter and structural uncertainties in the model affecting biogeochemical processes
• Develop workflows for systematic model evaluation and benchmarking
• Perform simulations for model tuning and calibration
• Support the design of next-generation coupled ESM experiments

Desired qualifications:

• Degree in oceanography, climate science, applied mathematics, computational physics, or a related discipline (PhD is advantageous)
• Experience with numerical modelling and analysis of large simulation datasets
• Knowledge of physical oceanography and experience with the ocean general circulation models and/or Earth system models
• Strong proficiency in scientific programming in Fortran, Python, Shell scripting (Bash) or comparable languages
• Experience with HPC environments and scientific workflows
• Experience with software engineering best practices, including Git version control, software testing and debugging, code review workflows, Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)
• Fluent in English, with solid scientific writing skills and a strong interest in working collaboratively within an international and interdisciplinary team

What we offer:

This position is initially offered for three years. Continuation beyond the initial term is intended, subject to satisfactory performance, applicable legal requirements, and the availability of funding.

We offer a position in an international science environment. You can expect a multifaceted job with challenging tasks in an exciting, academic work environment. You will have a high degree of autonomy and creative freedom, and we will promote your further education, e.g. within the framework of external courses and certifications. The compatibility of private life, family and career are important components of our personnel policy. You will be paid according to the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD Bund). Allowances are possible depending on qualifications and areas of responsibility.

The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your full application via our online application portal . This should include a statement of interest, CV, publication list (when applicable) and a list of references (with contact information). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications received by 15 September 2026will receive full consideration; applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled.

We are looking forward to your application!

Max Planck Institut for Marine Microbiology
Celsiusstr. 1
28359 Bremen
Germany