Technical Employee at Institute of Oceanography

InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Experimental oceanography
- Salary levelEGR. 11 TV-L
- Start dateas soon as possible, permanent
- Application deadline15.08.2025
- Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time

The position holder will be responsible for the independent planning, preparation, operation and evaluation of complex oceanographic instrumentation and data systems within the Experimental Oceanography group, in the department of Earth System Sciences. This role combines technical expertise, scientific programming, and operational leadership on oceanographic expeditions, with significant responsibility for both the design and implementation of technical solutions. While the position holder should be independent and responsible within their area of activity, a team-oriented mindset is also essential for successful operations on research expeditions.

Specific Duties
- expedition support
- technical planning and preparation for cruises including consumables, customs and logistics
- on-board technical work as lead technician during research cruises (CTD/LADCP, gliders, moorings)
- hands-on mechanical preparation of oceanographic systems (e.g., moorings, hardware)
- proactive and continuous evaluation of procedures to optimize success of expeditions
- instrumentation and equipment management
- maintenance and optimization of scientific measurement systems (mechanical and electronic)
- management of equipment inventory including a database with acquisition, maintenance, calibration and deployment history
- identification and oversight of instrument repairs (internal and third-party), and assessment of new and repaired equipment
- liaison with suppliers and the University of Hamburg (UHH) administrative departments for equipment purchase
- scientific programming
- development and maintenance of codebases and protocols for data collection and processing
- design of moorings based on physical forces, instrument load and scientific requirements
- support for teaching
- supervision and instruction of students in laboratory and field-based practicals
- development and construction of experimental setups for teaching

**Requirements**:

- university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in oceanography, engineering, physics or a related scientific field including significant practical experience

Required skills and personal qualities
- demonstrated experience with seagoing instrumentation and measurement systems
- practical experience with scientific data workflows, including acquisition and quality control
- experience leading, supporting or participating in technical tasks at sea or in the field
- proficiency in written and spoken English and German (minimum B2 technical level)
- hands-on ability to prepare, maintain and troubleshoot oceanographic equipment and systems
- ability to adapt under real-world conditions, including problem-solving in the field
- able to connect technical operations with scientific goals, to improve reliability and data utility
- strong organizational and documentation skills
- team-oriented mindset and willingness to support research, training and teaching tasks
- medically fit and willing to participate in research expeditions of up to 3 months duration/year

We offer
- Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
- Continuing education opportunities
- University pensions
- Attractive location
- Flexible working hours
- Work-life balance opportunities
- Health management, EGYM Wellpass
- Employee laptops
- Mobile work
- Educational leave
- 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.

We explicitly encourage persons with an immigrant background to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Eleanor Frajka-Williams

+49 40 42838-9540

Andreas Welsch

+49 40 42838-6632

Reference number
- 603/7

Location

Bundesstraße 55
20148 Hamburg

Application deadline
- 15.08.2025