Postdoctoral Investigator - Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Postdoctoral Investigator to join the Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year with possible second and third year extension(s) contingent on performance and funding.

We are looking to hire a highly-motivated and independent scientist for Postdoctoral Investigator position in the Saito laboratory of the Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The postdoctoral position is part of a NIH funded project on understanding the metallome of bacteria.

The Institution 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.

Application materials should be submitted online to the appropriate fields in the application with a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, brief statement of research interests and career goals, up to three relevant publications, and names and contact information for at least three references (to be uploaded as a separate cover letter).  Position is available immediately. Preference will be given to applications received by August 31, 2021 but applicants will be considered until the position is filled.

• Research will include characterizing the metalloproteome of heterotrophic bacteria, including the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in relation to varying metal and environmental gradients.
• Research results will be interpreted in biomedical and environmental contexts.
• The position will entail work with bacterial cultures, bacterial genetics, protein extraction, native chromatographic separations, enzyme assays, protein overexpression, informatics and data analysis, and plasma and electrospray mass spectrometry.
• Experience in these areas would be useful, although training will be provided.

REQUIRED:

• PhD in biochemistry, chemical oceanography, microbial ecology or related field;
• Ability to synthesize and interpret complex chemical and biological datasets;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write scientific reports and publications and meet project milestones;
• Works well as part of a research team.

DESIRED

• Background in one or more of the following areas: bioanalytical and bioinorganic chemistry, mass spectrometry, microbiology, molecular biology
• Skills in protein purification and/or working with bacteria mutants and complementation techniques
• Experience with ‘omic data and informatics, in particular proteomics informatics

• Position may include field work
• 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. 

May work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Sleep and work hours can deviate from those on land. May be expected to work on watch schedule (such as 8 hours on and 8 hours off or 12 hours on and 8 hours off) for all or part of a cruise or to work as hours are needed to accomplish the planned work. May need to travel during holidays and for long distances to and from foreign ports. May experience rudimentary living and working conditions, with shared and basic living quarters and laboratories. May experience bad or extreme weather conditions, including heavy seas, winter weather or hot, tropical weather. Work on deck may occur in both hot and cold conditions around the clock. Sea conditions will lead to active ship motion. Should be able to climb steep and vertical ladders and able to enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills. Should be able to carry heavy gear and participate in the loading and unloading of the ship as well as in the activities on deck and in the labs during the cruise. Shipboard environment may include: confined areas, shared sleeping quarters (berths) and bathroom facilities, small and basic berthing, fixed meal times and basic menus. Modest levels of heating, cooling, ventilation, and illumination, limited or no email and internet access and limited off-duty and recreational facilities (library, lounge, movies). May be exposed to potential allergens and irritants, including paint fumes. May experience constant and intermittent loud noises, and slippery and uneven surfaces.