Postdoctoral Investigator

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Postdoctoral Investigator to join the Physical Oceanography Department. This role is cross-departmental in nature. This is a temporary, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of a one-year extension. Renewal of the appointment is conditional on the PDI making satisfactory progress during the prior year(s) and continuation of funding. The successful candidate is expected to start the appointment in early 2023.

WHOI has a top-rated postdoctoral program (www.whoi.edu/postdoctoral/) that supports a dynamic postdoctoral community with formal mentoring and career guidance programs. While the primary focus of the work will be in research, the Postdoctoral Investigator will have the opportunity to participate in educational and outreach activities associated with the project.

WHOI has a strong commitment to scientific excellence and diversity, and we strongly encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and foster a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Applications from the minority serving institutions and historically black colleges and universities are particularly encouraged.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, up to three relevant publications, and names/contact information for at least three professional references.

A concise statement (no longer than four pages) that addresses (1) research interests to be pursued at WHOI, (2) anticipated career plans, with an explanation of how postdoctoral research at WHOI would complement an applicant’s existing experience and preparation, and (3) interests in, experience with, and/or planned commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, teaching, and/or service in their career and (4; optional) life-impact statement that describes any significant life circumstance that has impacted productivity, trajectory, or performance (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, illness, caretaking responsibilities; 1-page).  

Please apply online at https://careers-whoi.icims.com/jobs/1887/postdoctoral-investigator/job. Initial consideration will be given to applications received before January 15, 2023, but the position will remain open until it is filled.

Essential Functions

Coupled physical-biogeochemical/biological modeling

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) seeks an energetic and creative Postdoctoral Investigator (PDI) to work on coupled physical-biogeochemical-biological interactions with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, including Drs. Ke Chen in Physical Oceanography, Heather Kim in Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, and Rubao Ji in Biology. The PDI will have the opportunity to study cutting-edge interdisciplinary topics in the highly complex Northwest Atlantic (NWA) shelf-slope region, which has been in the forefront of some of the most dramatic changes in recent years, including accelerated warming, frequent Marine Heatwaves, fast sea level rise, and changes in the Gulf Stream meanders and rings. These changes have significant impacts on the large marine ecosystem (LME) in the region, which supports some of the most commercially valuable fisheries in the world. Addressing these scientifically important and societally relevant problems requires advanced numerical models that integrate knowledge across the boundaries of disciplines. The PDI will be guided to construct a high-resolution (1-km scale) state-of-the-art coupled physical-biogeochemical/biological model to tackle both fundamental scientific questions and solution-driven research.

Education & Experience

• PhD degree (or nearly-completed) in Physical Oceanography, Chemical/Biological Oceanography, Climate Science, or other relevant disciplines
• Prior experience in regional (or global) ocean modeling, preferably using the ROMS (Regional Ocean Modeling System)
• Understanding of coastal circulation and its relationship to large-scale climate variability in
the Northwest Atlantic
• Understanding of the interactions between physical and biogeochemical/biological processes
• Experience with statistical analyses of large datasets and numerical model simulations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as evidenced preferably through publications
in peer-reviewed scientific literature and presentations to a variety of audiences.

Special Requirements

WHOI is a federal contractor required to comply with Executive Order 14042. As such, WHOI has enacted a Mandated COVID19 vaccination policy effective December 8, 2021 where you must register your vaccination status in order to begin your employment. The registration process entails confidentially submitting a vaccination card and/or your vaccination status or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.  

Physical Requirements

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to: occasional standing and/or walking along with being mostly and continuously sedentary.  Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Physical duties are subject to change.

WHOI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans/M/F. We encourage Veterans and those with Disabilities to apply. Applications are reviewed confidentially. Applicants that require accommodation in the job application process are encouraged to contact us at (508) 289-2253 or email eeo@whoi.edu for assistance.