POSTED: 29th October 2025
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible
FULL TIME, ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

MISSION TO METRICS

In our mission to rid the world’s oceans of plastic, we rely on a thorough understanding of the ocean plastic pollution problem. The Research team at The Ocean Cleanup aims to refine our understanding of the sources, transport, and fate of ocean and ocean-bound plastics. In the past five years, the Research team has developed and proven the Automated Debris Imaging System (ADIS), an approach for mapping marine plastic litter that relies on smart cameras to detect plastics worldwide from shipping lanes. We have been deploying these autonomous cameras on a growing number of ships, which has contributed to a growing database of ADIS observations. These observations are key to improving our plastic prediction models, affecting the effort required for global cleanup. Additionally, ADIS data serves as a vital monitoring tool for global ocean plastic pollution levels.

THE ASSIGNMENT

We are looking for a junior data scientist to join our team for postprocessing of the ADIS database into clean and understandable output data, as well as transforming and aggregating global ADIS observations into insights and stories that guide The Ocean Cleanup’s mission.

Over time, your work will contribute to a well-documented process for ADIS data postprocessing and analysis, as well as the delivery of timely and informative reports and results for our partners. It will also lead to an improved quality and understanding of ADIS data, culminating in a growing and well-curated training dataset.

“After completing the development of ADIS as a standalone smart camera, we have been successful with worldwide deployments and data collection, which we will continue to step up. The most important next step is to start making a difference with the unique data collected by the ADIS network” Robin de Vries, ADIS Lead RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understanding the current ADIS “data to information” chain and improving it
• R&D on smarter methods for final data validation
• Managing and delivering ADIS data validation
• Managing data visualization dashboard together with The Ocean Cleanup’s data engineering team
• Creating reports and maps for internal and external presentation of ADIS data
• Data curation for future AI improvements

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

“Even if you don’t meet every professional qualification listed, we strongly encourage you to apply if you believe you have the right skills, experience, and motivation to contribute to our mission. We recognize that talent and potential come in many forms, and we value diverse perspectives and unconventional career paths. If you’re passionate about the work we do and confident in your ability to make an impact, don’t hesitate to submit your application—we’d love to hear from you”

• QGIS and ArcGIS
• Python, especially with geographic data and database systems
• Familiarity with Linux and Windows systems
• PostgreSQL/PostGIS
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, specifically Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services, Databricks
• Experience with object detection models and curation of training datasets
• Data visualization and cartography
• Preferable experience with online mapping such as Geoserver, Tileserver GL, Leaflet etc.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• A creative mindset
• Not deterred by complexity and novelty, to create something new when required
• Capable of finding out the essentials versus the details in problem solving
• An eye for detail
• Excellent command of English language
• Pre: affinity with data engineering and data management

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Work permit: A valid European Union work permit is mandatory for this position (the role is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands)
• Starting date: January 2026
• Conducting a pre-employment check may be part of our recruitment process.
• At The Ocean Cleanup, we believe we are stronger together, while harnessing the uniqueness each individual brings. That is why we take a fair, equal opportunity, and transparent approach to hiring and welcome special needs requests