12820 - Ocean Numerical Modeller

CMCC Position cod. 12820
Ocean Numerical Modeller
Deadline: April 19th, 2026

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

CMCC’s GOCO Division, located in Lecce (Italy), is seeking a researcher with experience in numerical modeling to support research and ocean modeling activities from global to coastal scales.
The position is open to a Numerical Modeller (Postdoctoral Researcher or Junior Scientist within the CMCC research career track). The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and computational skills with curiosity and creativity and is able to integrate physical understanding of ocean processes with numerical methods for Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, including both physics-based and machine-learning approaches.
This position will contribute to the next generation of multiscale global oceanography, bridging advances in software engineering, numerical methods, and data-driven techniques.
If you are eager to apply advanced modeling approaches to some of the most critical challenges in applied climate research, we would be pleased to hear from you.



ABOUT US

CMCC Foundation is a cross-cutting scientific research centre on climate change and its interactions with the environment, society, the world of business, and policymakers. Our work aims to stimulate sustainable growth, protect the environment, and develop strategies for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. CMCC's core objective is to conduct cutting-edge science, to train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels, and to be a beacon for climate modelling.

CMCC pursues fundamental and applied science with utmost scientific integrity, prioritizing data-driven science and providing data, information, and research results that can support informed public debate and decision-making processes. To achieve climate research objectives at the highest international standards, we invest in training all our talents and strive to create a workplace where everyone can excel.

At CMCC you will find a strong, professional environment. Join an inclusive community that values diversity, where every voice is heard and respected. Help foster a culture of innovation and societal change, where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.

Over the last decade, CMCC has experienced extraordinary growth. We are now embarking on a new chapter of our journey that will further boost CMCC’s global position in climate change research…Together!


To learn more about this opportunity and submit your application, please refer to the following:


ROLE

At CMCC, we connect cutting-edge science to actionable climate insights. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in the development and validation of a multi-purpose ocean general circulation model using unstructured-mesh methods. You will work with all components of an ocean circulation model, including time integration schemes, variable staggering, operator discretization, interpolation methods, advection schemes, and linear solvers, with a particular focus on assessing the accuracy, stability, and efficiency of the numerical methods you develop.
You will advance finite element and finite volume modeling approaches and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across CMCC Foundation, working to integrate physics-based methods with data-driven approaches while pushing the boundaries of computational performance.



RESPONSIBILITIES

The Researcher will support the GOCO Division through engagement in some or all the following activities

• Taking on a pivotal role within the numerical modeling team devoted to: (i) design and interpret targeted experiments dealing with multi-scale and cross-scale ocean circulation and dynamics and (ii) advance physics-based algorithms
• Collaborating with CMCC team working on coupling with sea ice, biogeochemistry and waves
• Collaborating with CMCC team working on machine and deep learning techniques to merge physics-based methods with machine and deep learning methods to better represent key ocean circulation processes
• Collaborating with CMCC team working on high-performance computing to optimize computing architectures and numerical algorithms
• Synthesizing results into concise scientific products, reports, and working papers supporting future proposals and collaborations
• Engaging with internal and external partners, including research institutes, observation networks and stakeholders, to strengthen data-sharing and methodological innovation.

REQUIREMENTS

• PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Physical Oceanography, Applied Mathematics
• Engineering or related disciplines with a strong research background in numerical
  methods and modelling
• Experience in development of numerical methods applied to geophysical fluid dynamics problems
• Experience in development and/or application of ocean circulation models preferably on unstructured meshes (structured meshes will also be considered)
• Advanced programming skills with both compiled (i.e. Fortran) and interpreted (i.e. Python) languages and consolidated experience with scientific and visualization libraries (e.g., xarray, pandas, Plotly, Matplotlib)
• Knowledge of UNIX/Linux operating systems and scripting languages (i.e. *nix shell)
• Knowledge of parallel programming on HPC architectures
• Excellent written and spoken English and strong communication skills across scientific and multidisciplinary teams

• At least two recommendation letters
• Collaborative mindset, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to advancing climate science

• Please note that this opportunity will be issued both internally and externally.
• The position will be based in the CMCC Lecce office.
• Contract and gross annual salary will be based on qualifications and working experience.
• Welfare package, for a minimum 12-month contract.
• Flexible working time as per internal policies.
• Support during the immigration process, if needed.

PROTECTED CATEGORY
Belonging to legally protected categories (ex L. 68/99) will constitute a preferential condition.
Some fiscal benefits could be applied for repatriated workers or foreign researchers/professors, having the requirements defined by Dlgs 147/2015 (for repatriates) or Dl 78/2010 (for foreigners).
CMCC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status, and other legally protected characteristics. Please omit from your CV any data you or we might consider discriminatory.
This job announcement is an invitation to express interest in the above-mentioned CMCC Position.

Applicants responding to this posting declare that they have read, understood and agreed to the “Official Rule for the CMCC Personnel recruitment".

We will keep your information on file for up to 1 year.