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

Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we make a significant contribution to preserving the function and protecting the ocean for future generations. The GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is currently responsible for the technical ship operation and also for the coordination of the research voyages of the research vessel FS ALKOR and the research vessel FK LITTORINA. In 2026, responsibility for the technical operation of the new research vessel FS METEOR IV will also be added.

The Seagoing Technologies Department of the GEOMAR Ocean Research Technologies Centre (ORTC) shall, as soon as possible, offer a position as

In this position, you are responsible for the efficient organisation and operation of processes associated with GEOMAR ship operations and ship utilization:

• You will proactively coordinate with relevant internal and external stakeholders from science, the GEOMAR directors, administration, funding organizations, and private-sector institutions, in particular the shipping companies and shipyards involved.
• You will monitor compliance with budgets, schedules, and quality standards associated with ship operations.
• You will manage the scheduling of ship time.
• You will represent GEOMAR and, if necessary, the ship operators in the German, European, and international committees necessary for research ship operations and use.
• Until the RV Meteor IV is fully operational, you will be part of the scientific advisory group for the new ship and will have special responsibilities in connection with the ship's test phase. The same applies to future new ship constructions.

Qualification:

• Completed university studies preferably in marine sciences or engineering.
• You have already participated in ship expeditions lasting several weeks and have experience with the process of scientific expeditions (planning, application, preparation, implementation, follow-up) at a level that enables transparent decisions on the scheduling and prioritization of cruise applications.
• You have experience with committee work that enables you to represent the interests of GEOMAR and, if necessary, those of the ship operators in national or international committees, including in person.
• You have very good oral and written communication skills in English and German, and you also have experience in preparing reports and applications in German and English.

Desirable:

• You are familiar with the process for allocating ship time on German research vessels
• You have already been responsible for budgets
• You have experience in conducting tendering and bidding procedures
• You are familiar with the Helmholtz-specific framework conditions and financing options

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

• Good conditions for balancing work and private life: We offer, among other things, the option of mobile working and individual working hours, vacation courses for our employees' children, and excellent support in finding a daycare place in Kiel.
• 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 of social importance
• 30 days of vacation + additional time off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits

The position is permanent and the regular weekly working hours correspond to those of a full-time position (currently 39 hours per week). The position can be split and filled by more than one person, but full-time coverage of the position is required. Working hours for this position can be arranged flexibly. Remuneration is based on pay scale E 14 (TVöD-Bund) if the relevant requirements are met.

GEOMAR is committed to promoting women in the workplace. Applications from women are therefore expressly welcome. GEOMAR is committed to employing people with severe disabilities. Therefore, applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they are suitably qualified.

Please send your complete, informative application documents by December 28th, 2025 via our application portal at the following link:

Online application

Please be sure to include the keyword in the subject line. After completion of the selection process, all application documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations. For information on the advertised position, please contact Dr. Johannes Karstensen (tel.: 0431 600-4156). We welcome your questions by e-mail at bewerbung(at)geomar.de, quoting the reference " Ship Coordinator .”

Further information on the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and the Helmholtz Association can be found at www.geomar.de or www.helmholtz.de.

GEOMAR is committed to objective and non-discriminatory selection. Our job advertisements are therefore open to everyone. We expressly do not require application photos.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.