Director, Imaging Technology Laboratory

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is establishing an Imaging Technology Laboratory (ITL) and seeks a senior technical leader to lead the initiative. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits. The primary goal of the ITL is to create a center of excellence to serve the technical imaging needs of WHOI and the broader oceanographic community.   A secondary goal of the ITL is to support Institutional outreach and communications efforts.  A successful candidate will build a forward-thinking imaging capability consisting of the key human and technical resources as well as infrastructure to serve the community of stakeholders with imaging requirements.  The Institution will provide initial start-up funding for the ITL; it is expected that the leader of the ITL will achieve a financially self-sustaining operation over time through competitive grant funding, either in collaboration with scientific proposals or on a stand-alone basis.

This role is recognized as a leader in the field by functioning as an independent researcher and/or manager. Has full responsibility for project tasks requiring application of management skills and authoritative knowledge of appropriate underlying scientific principles and practices for engineering projects; uses and creates advanced techniques and, instrumentation, and creates modifications and extensions of theories, precepts, and practices relevant to the field in which the incumbent is recognized as a leading authority, and/or provides management and superior leadership of a group of technical staff members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Leverage understanding of current and future state-of-the-art, emerging, and cutting-edge imaging technologies and their potential application to oceanography.
• Apply and maintain broad knowledge of a variety of technologies applicable to imaging such as software, hardware, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cameras, lighting, among others.
• Work collaboratively with scientists and engineers to create, develop, design, construct, and advance imaging solutions for use in the field and laboratory.
• Provide engineering and system integration capabilities to scientists, engineers, and operations that drive successful new imaging solutions.
• In conjunction with WHOI Communications, support imaging data management and archiving solutions, including software, hardware, and processes.
• Collaborate with WHOI Communications to support marketing and outreach efforts including coordinating sources of content, production, training, and access to archives.
• Evaluates, organizes, and coordinates major technical efforts as a direct requirement of a scientific project and for key technological developments for future investigations.
• Participates at the highest Institution level for the development of overall scientific strategies, the identification of areas for technological emphasis, and the formulation of experimental techniques.
• Speaks for and represents the Institution's interests in high-level planning activities concerned with technological developments, externally to the Institution.
• Operates as a laboratory head, unit head, or independent researcher, with full supervisory and management responsibilities in an entrepreneurial setting.
• Through research endeavors and the preparation of research results and reports, contributes patentable inventions, important research techniques, and/or engineering designs that significantly impact the ways different aspects of ocean science are studied.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF THE ITL DIRECTOR

• Vision: Demonstrable ability to translate the Institutional goals of the ITL to the overall vision of the Institution
• Implementation: Ability to develop a pragmatic plan for implementation of the vision, maintaining budgetary alignment.
• Leadership: Ability to develop and lead a team that aligns with the vision of the ITL and in alignment with Vision 2030
• Technical: Deep understanding of imaging engineering principles and the engineering process
• Communication: Ability to communicate successfully to advocate for the ITL among and across stakeholders
• DEI: Support Institutional goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion across all facets of the ITL

Education:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 10 years’ experience, or a Master’s degree and 8 years’ experience, or a Ph.D. and 5 years’ experience.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience with Image Sensors and Image Signal Processing.
• Ability to demonstrate a strong portfolio of domain specific experience and independent research & proposal winning
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative architecture and algorithm designs.
• Ability to work with others in a collaborative and collegial manner as well as a self-driven, self-motivated individual contributor depending on the task at hand.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability & willing to obtain a U.S Government security clearance is desirable.

• Willingness to participate in cruises as appropriate for the position.
• 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. 

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift less than 25 lbs independently, 2 times per day; carry 10-25 lbs, 2 times per day. Visual abilities to include near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions, communicate effectively in loud areas (pier/dock, warehouse). Other physical tasks include occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic /fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, reaching above and below the shoulders, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Will be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical/mechanical/power equipment hazards. Physical duties are subject to change.