Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) hydroacoustics

Deadline: 23rd November 2025

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a foundation under public law jointly financed by the Federal Republic of Germany (90%) and the State of Schleswig-Holstein (10%). It is one of the internationally leading institutions in the field of marine research.

Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we contribute significantly to the preservation of the function and protection of the ocean for future generations.

As part of the TRANKIEL (Techniques for Reducing hydro-Acoustic Noise from underwater explosions in KIEL Bay) project, we are researching various techniques for reducing the sound propagation of underwater explosions. In addition to general approaches such as bubble curtains, reduction approaches specifically adapted to the geology of Kiel Bay are also being investigated.

The Deep Sea Monitoring Department of the Marine Biogeochemistry Research Unit is seeking a

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) hydroacoustics

to start as soon as possible.

Job Description:

Literature and software research on numerical modelling methods for seismo-acoustic sound propagation and sustainable concepts for attenuating sound propagation underwater
Acquisition and processing of data from accessible sources on sound propagation and attenuation of underwater explosions
Participation in the development of a hydroacoustic and geological model of Kiel Bay for a complete description of sound propagation in soil and water, including:
- Implementation and numerical modelling of various sources of underwater explosions
- Implementation and modelling of synthetic bubble curtains and other artificial sound barriers
- Final determination of the best possible locations (and times) for underwater detonations in Kiel Bay
Analysis and validation of the model results using measurement data from real underwater explosions in Kiel Bay

Qualification:

A Ph.D. in relevant disciplines such as physics, geophysics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics or similar, with a focus on hydroacoustics or signal processing.
High level of expertise in modelling, processing and analysing (hydro)acoustic signals
A strong track record of impactful first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals

The ideal candidate will also have:

Experience in modelling the seismo-acoustic propagation of sound through sediments and the water column
Experience with COMSOL Multiphysics
Knowledge of marine geology or marine geophysics
Proficiency in software development (e.g. Python, C++, etc.)
Willingness and ability to participate in sea surveys

At a workplace, directly on the Kiel Fjord with many leisure and recreational opportunities, we offer you:

Good conditions for work-life balance: We offer, among other things, the possibility of mobile working and individual working time arrangements, vacation courses for the children of our employees, and good support in finding a place in a daycare center at the Kiel site
Support services for professional and personal life situations
An exciting work environment with the opportunity to provide important impetus for the development of sustainable solutions
Exciting topics in an international environment
Work in the field of marine and climate research, a forward-looking area with social significance
30 vacation days + additional time off at Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits

The position is available for a funding period until August 31st, 2028. The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class 13 TVöD-Bund of the German tariff for public employees. This is a full-time position. The position can be split, flexible working time models are generally possible.

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel seeks to increase the proportion of female scientists and explicitly encourages qualified female academics to apply.GEOMAR is an equal opportunity employer and encourages scientists with disabilities to apply.Qualified disabled applicants will receive preference in the application process.

Please send your application for this post not later than November 23 rd,2025 under the following link:

Online application

As soon as the selection procedure has finished, all your application data will be removed according to data protection regulation.

For further information regarding the position and research unit please contact Dr. Marc Seidel(mseidel(at)geomar.de).

We will answer all your questions if you send us an e-mail to bewerbung@geomar.de. In doing so, please refer to the keyword “TRANKIEL Hydroakustik”.

For further information on GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel or the Helmholtz Association, please visit www.geomar.de or www.helmholtz.de.

GEOMAR is committed to an objective and non-discriminatory personnel selection. Our job advertisements address all people. We expressly renounce the submission of application photos.

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Postdoctoral Researcher*in (f/m/d) hydroacoustics

Postdoctoral Researcher*in (f/m/d) hydroacoustics