Tenure Track Scientist – AOPE - Applied Ocean Physics

Job Summary

The Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering (AOPE) Department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) invites candidates to apply to the open full-time tenure track positions on our scientific staff*. We seek to hire 1-2 scientists at any of the Assistant/Associate/Senior Scientist levels. We are seeking candidates with potential to complement or diversify existing strengths in coastal and estuarine dynamics, physical-biological interactions at organism to oceanographic scales, polar processes, remote sensing, groundwater dynamics and air-sea interaction. The ideal candidate will develop an interdisciplinary research program that contributes significantly to the WHOI Vision 2030, which envisions a decade of institutional investment in excellence, innovation, and global engagement. We seek individuals utilizing and developing state-of-the-art technology to provide fundamental scientific advances on the ocean and its connection with the Earth system and inform use-inspired outcomes. We invite expansive interpretations of our research, teaching, and scholarly pursuits and welcome interdisciplinary approaches.

WHOI is located on Cape Cod in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, a world-renowned center of excellence in marine, biomedical, and environmental science, with proximity to the research hubs of Boston, MA and Providence, RI. Its mission is to advance our understanding of the ocean and its interaction with the Earth system, and to communicate this understanding for the benefit of society. WHOI is the largest private, non-profit oceanographic institution in the world, with staff and students numbering approximately 1,000. Together with an additional ~500 affiliated personnel associated with the scientific endeavors of the Institution, WHOI is home to a vibrant scientific community that has a strong international component.

WHOI offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes but is not limited to relocation assistance, medical and dental plans, childcare subsidy, housing assistance, tuition assistance, an employer contribution retirement plan, vacation time, flexible scheduling, and family illness days. The Institution also provides dual career services for assisting the applicant’s spouse or partner should they be impacted by your career decision. We have a dedicated team who will work with applicants to identify and explore available options within WHOI and the broader Woods Hole community, as well as in Boston and Providence.

*Tenure-track staff are positions equivalent to ladder-rank professorial posts and tenure-track group leader positions.

Essential Functions

WHOI Scientific Staff members develop externally-funded, and internationally recognized research programs. They also have the option of advising graduate students and teaching courses in the MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering. Throughout their career, Scientific Staff also have access to significant internal funding opportunities and mentoring, including exciting new directions through WHOI’s Vision 2030 Initiative. Early career Scientific Staff receive compensation support and start up packages as they develop their independent research portfolios. Scientific Staff are encouraged (although not required) to embark on interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial ventures as well as develop collaborations within the Institution, its various centers, and the Woods Hole community. 

Applications from members of underrepresented groups and non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged. The Institution is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to providing leadership, in scholarship or service, toward building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.

Education & Experience

Applicants should have a doctoral degree and a record of scholarly contributions (publications and/or other products) commensurate with their career stage with consideration taken for productivity or trajectory-impacting life circumstances.

Special Requirements

Please visit http://careers.whoi.edu and respond to Job Reference 2022-1941. Applicants should upload their curriculum vitae to the corresponding section of the application, as well as uploading a single PDF document to the "Cover Letter" section of the application containing the following information, in respective order: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three-page research statement, one-page diversity statement, names and contact information of four references, copies of up to three relevant publications or preprints, and optional life-impact statement.

The research statement should include their research background and plans for building an independent research program at WHOI and should speak to the significance and long-term goals of their research. The diversity statement should discuss or include their past and/or potential contributions to and experience with diversity, equity and inclusion, such as mentoring, committee service, research, outreach, or teaching. The life-impact statement should discuss any significant life circumstance that has impacted their productivity, trajectory, or performance (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, illness, caretaking responsibilities; 1-page). Any statements that exceed page guidelines, will not be read past the specified length requirements.

Applications will begin to be reviewed on Jan 22, 2023 until position is filled.

WHOI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect, where you must register your full vaccination status (vaccination plus booster) in order to begin your employment. The registration process is confidential and entails submitting your official vaccination records, or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.

WHOI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. WHOI believes diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components that support our academic excellence. We strive for a diverse and inclusive workforce, and encourage women, minorities, veterans and those with disabilities to apply. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

Physical Requirements

Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process. We welcome all interested parties to apply!