Postdoctoral Investigator

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for two Postdoctoral Investigators to join the Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department. 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.

We are seeking candidates for two postdoctoral investigator positions for two separate projects within Drs. Christopher Reddy and Collin Ward’s laboratories in the Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry at WHOI. Both positions are for one year and may extend to two years contingent on additional funding and performance. Both projects focus on determining the rates, transformation pathways and products, and governing controls of, plastic disintegration and degradation in the marine environment. One project broadly focuses on bio-based plastics developed by Eastman Chemical Company, and the other project broadly focuses on single-use consumer plastics.  We anticipate collaboration across both projects.

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.

Online application forms should be submitted with a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. Applications will be reviewed upon submission.

The postdoc will be the project lead, working in close collaboration with and trained by Reddy and Ward. Examples of essential functions include:

• Design and conduct weathering experiments at the bench- and mesocosm-scale.
• Characterize plastic degradation using isotope geochemistry approaches, NMR and optical spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.
• Write progress reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Present to funding agencies and at national and international scientific meetings.
• Commit to a healthy workplace climate.

Applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources website. Applications must include a cover letter describing research interests and career goals, a complete curriculum vitae, up to three relevant publications, and the contact information of at least three references. Applications will be reviewed starting April 30, 2022 and until the positions are filled.  For additional information please contact Drs. Reddy (creddy@whoi.edu) and Ward (cward@whoi.edu).

• PhD. in Environmental or Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Oceanography, Organic Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry or a related discipline.
• Applicants from backgrounds that are underrepresented in STEM disciplines are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Less than two years of postdoctoral experience is desirable.
• Previous experience conducting research on stable isotope geochemistry, carbon cycling, plastic or pollutant fate, or aquatic photochemistry is desirable.
• Previous experience with isotope ratio mass spectrometry, natural abundance radiocarbon analysis, NMR, mass spectrometry, or programming is desirable.
• Experience working in both laboratory and field settings is desirable.
• Outstanding record of written and verbal communication commensurate with experience

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. 

Must be able to work alone or in a group, in a lab or in a field setting.

Yes