Internship - Global River Model
The Ocean Cleanup
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Posted on Feb 23, 2026
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 aims to refine our understanding of the sources, transport, and fate of ocean plastics with the goal to increase the effectiveness of The Ocean Cleanup’s actions. An important aspect of our research is understanding and mapping the input of plastic into the ocean via rivers in both space and time. For this, we are developing a novel global river model to guide our efforts.
THE ASSIGNMENT
Your project will be centered around processes that prevent plastic from being transported through a river system - either temporarily or indefinitely. This task includes creating a literature review, condensing its results into an expression that can be included in the existing model and finally testing this formulation by comparing the updated model results against observational data.
Being able to structure and document your research process and findings is a crucial part of this internship as the success of this project relies on a thorough and consistent work style.
“Our global river model is at the intersection of academic outreach and providing data for internal decision making. By contributing to its quality, you are supporting two important goals for this organization, expanding our knowledge of and reducing the extent of plastic pollution.” Ronja Ebner, River data scientist & modeler.
RESPONSIBILITIES
You will be responsible for the improvement of a “state of the art” model by focusing on the aspect of sinks and interruption of plastic transport
This includes:
- Literature research
- Identifying a formulation based on acquired knowledge
- Implementing the expression into an existing model (Python)
- Comparing the results against observational datasets
- Documenting the process and reasoning
- Experience with Python is crucial
- Familiarity with riverine transport processes is very beneficial
- Experience with object-oriented programming is beneficial
- Experience with jupyter is beneficial
- Experience with GitHub is beneficial
- Experience with Windows and Microsoft Office is desired
- Fluent in spoken and written English
- Attention for detail
- Ability to work independently
- Curious, creative, and determined to deliver
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Intrinsic motivation to work towards our ambitious and meaningful goal
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Start date: ASAP/Preferably March 2026 - Please indicate your possible start date, duration, and hours per week.
Duration: 6 months
Candidates are expected to work from our HQ in Rotterdam at least 3 days a week.
Candidates are required to be enrolled at a University (Bachelor’s/Master's etc program) throughout the duration of the internship.