Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Experimental Oceanography
Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L
Start date: 01.01.2027, fixed until 30.06.2030 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline: 30.11.2026
Scope of work: part-time
Weekly hours: 75 % of standard work hours per week
Your responsibilities
Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.
The specific goal of Subproject 2.2, “Impact of Surfactants on Wave Fields and Fluxes under varying Boundary Conditions”, is to understand and to quantify the strong impact varying boundary conditions have on the effect of surfactants on fluxes of energy, momentum, and matter across the SML. In order to achieve this goal, a unique, novel, and complex wind-wave-surfactant measurement system was developed during Phase I, with the ability to measure simultaneously coupled air-water boundary layer dynamics, the evolution of millimeter-scale surface roughness features, and the influence of surfactants thereon. The system comprises a unique combination of state-of-the-art video, laser, digital imaging, and radar technologies, capable of being combined with a Particle Image Verlocimetry (PIV) system at the wind-wave tank and with other SML measurement systems of BASS partners, and already showed great potential to provide measurements in complex wind-wave-surfactant conditions.
The successful applicant will actively participate in experimental campaigns at the University’s wind-wave tank facility, deploying video, laser, wire gauge, and radar sensors. She/he will help with the upgrade of the current experimental setup to allow measurements with heavy rain, natural and artificial seawater, and programmable wind-speed variations. She/he will perform wave measurements at a wide range of experimental conditions, including different wind speeds, mechanically generated waves, and surfactants of different concentration and visco-elastic properties to investigate if, how, and to what extent, different surfactant compositions change the overall spectral wave damping and fluxes of momentum and energy across the SML; to understand the role of a varying wind field within the complex interplay of wave growth and dissipation, at both clean and surfactant-covered water surfaces; to quantify the effect of heavy rain, in combination with different wind speeds, on the wave-damping capability of surfactants. Of particular interest during the joint campaigns with other sub-projects will be the influence of salinity on the results obtained. She/he will independently prepare, organize, and conduct dedicated experiments to meet the goals of Subproject 2.2, and will be responsible for the data analyses and the dissemination of the achieved results.
Information on the University of Hamburg’s wind-wave tank can be found at https://www.ifm.uni-hamburg.de/en/workareas/experimental/wind-wave-tank.html, on BASS’ Subproject 2.2 at https://www.ifm.uni-hamburg.de/en/workareas/experimental/projects/bassii.html, and on the research unit BASS at https://uol.de/en/bass.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
University degree in physics, physical oceanography, or a related field; basic knowledge of air-sea interactions, the growth of wind waves and their damping by surfactants; practical skills; experience in laboratory experiments; ability and willingness to perform laboratory research in an international team; programming skills (e.g. Python, Matlab, Labview).
We offer
- Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
- Attractive location
- Health management, EGYM Wellpass
- Continuing education opportunities
- Flexible working hours
- Educational leave
- University pensions
- Work-life balance opportunities
- 30 days of vacation per annum
Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.
The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.
Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.
Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements (background check and data protection information).
Instructions for applying
Contact
Dr. Martin Gade
Reference number
280
Location
Bundesstraße 57
20146 Hamburg
Zu Google Maps
Application deadline
30.11.2026
Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:
- cover letter
- CV
- copies of degree certificate(s)
If you experience technical problems, send an email to bewerbungen@uni-hamburg.de.
More information on data protection in selection procedures.
