MISSION TO METRICS

The Ocean Cleanup develops and scales technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. To do this, 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 behavior of ocean plastics. Our scientific findings help steer the organization's strategy to maximize our impact. We work in a multidisciplinary team, including field and lab scientists, numerical modelers, geospatial analysts, and remote sensing experts. You will report to the Head of Research.

The Senior Ocean Field Scientist leads the collection of observational data on plastic pollution at sea, as well as the rapid acquisition of long-term monitoring data in targeted oceans. Systematic and accurate field data enable us to better comprehend the nature and evolution of ocean plastics, and is essential to monitor the impact of our cleanup. You are responsible for furthering our understanding of the sources and accumulation of floating plastic in the ocean to help us plan for an efficient cleanup. You will have succeeded when we have gained sufficient level of knowledge on ocean plastic pollution to accurately predict plastic hotspots and impact of our cleanup strategy.

"Conducting research at The Ocean Cleanup is a unique chance to quickly generate intel on the current fast-growing plastic pollution epidemic. This field of research is still very young, and it is an exciting time for us researchers developing it. There are still so many things we do not know about ocean plastics. We are seeking a team member that will show ingenuity, curiosity and enthusiasm to help us solve the great questions of ocean plastic pollution research and contribute to pushing the field further." - Laurent Lebreton, Head of Research.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organize and lead observational missions in various oceans worldwide (with a focus on subtropical oceanic gyres), as well as coordination of subsequent sample and data analyses
Optimize field data collection protocols, including the analysis of our ocean catch, and Citizen Science survey application
Initiate, mediate and lead collaborative research projects with various stakeholders, including universities, international research institutes, government agencies, NGOs and private organizations, fully utilizing any synergies
Provide supervision, guidance and technical leadership related to scientific aspects of plastic pollution mitigation strategies, including technology design, deployment and monitoring
Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Presenting research findings at international conferences and workshops
Proof-reading and fact-checking of media reports, press releases, social media posts, website copies, and technical reports
Supervision of junior researchers and intern

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in Marine Sciences (marine biogeochemistry, marine biology, physical and chemical oceanography) or similar. Ph.D. preferred
7 to 10 years of relevant work experience in oceanographic research, preferably with extensive offshore fieldwork experience
Experience in driving ambitious research projects
Experience with sampling for (micro-)plastic in the marine environment is an advantage
Good publication record in high-ranking scientific peer-reviewed journals

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Field Ninja
Independent and able to perform well in a fast-paced and highly challenging environment
Curious and ingenious
Have a sense of humor (or a tolerance for bad puns)
Results-driven and self-motivated, even when faced with adversity and setbacks
Willingness to travel abroad and to participate in multi-week research expeditions to remote subtropical oceanic gyres
Comfortable to communicate scientific outcomes to wider audiences during meetings, conferences and the press
Strong command of English, verbal and written
Intrinsic motivation to work on our ambitious and meaningful goal

STARTING FROM:

ASAP

WORK PERMIT NEEDED:

European Union

Starting from:: ASAP
Work permit needed:: European Union; A valid European Union work permit is highly preferred for this position. However, feel free to send an open application so we can contact you if an opportunity arises in your country.

Interviews have started, but please feel free to apply, as we might consider new applications.