Postdoctoral Investigator - AOP&E

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for a full-time, exempt, Postdoctoral Investigator to join the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Program, summarized at oceanobservatories.org.  The OOI is an NSF Large Facility with a planned thirty-year life, delivering multi-disciplinary oceanographic data from five instrumented ocean arrays.  This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits. May include opportunities for optional time at sea; not required. The initial appointment will be for two years with possible extension(s) contingent on performance and funding.

OOI Biological/Chemical Oceanographic Post-Doc

The OOI Program is seeking to augment its data science expertise and quality through the addition of a full-time post-doc with experience with the selection, deployment, operation, and data processing of marine biological and/or chemical sensors.  Successful applicants will be expected to lead their own research program in collaboration with the members of the OOI Consortium. The research program can be wide-ranging, and suggested research projects include the following:

• Collaborate with OOI scientists and marine carbon chemists in the OOI Member Institution Marine Chemistry Departments to use OOI chemical, bio-optical, and other measurements to study the coastal carbon cycle, ocean acidification, air-sea CO₂ fluxes, and other biogeochemical processes at the OOI coastal arrays over a range of temporal and spatial scales.
• Develop or improve sensing technology for making direct in-situ CO₂ flux measurements on various platforms, such as shipboard underway systems and buoys/moorings. The CO2 flux system has the potential to be deployed on OOI platforms, which would complement the existing air-sea pCO₂
• Collaborate with OOI scientists and biological oceanographers in the OOI Member Institution Biology Departments to use OOI bio-optical, chemical, acoustic, and other measurements to study phytoplankton ecology, zooplankton ecology and other ecosystem processes at the OOI coastal arrays over a range of temporal and spatial scales.
• Take advantage of the recently completed OOI BGC Sensor Data Working Group's Best Practices & User Guide to conduct research and generate analysis-ready data products through this research.

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.

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

We recognize that strength comes through diversity and actively seek and welcome people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

Applications will be reviewed starting 1/17/2023 and until filled.

The successful applicant will also work with the OOI science team to: 

• Evaluate the OOI biological and/or chemical sensor configurations, locations, data processing, and quality control methods.
  
• Develop and present benefits to the program associated with relocating and/or reconfiguring these sensors if needed.
  
• Provide recommendations for improved approaches to data processing and/or quality control; and improve methods to communicate analysis methods, libraries, and processes to the research communities.

• Ph.D

• Applicants should be intellectually curious researchers at an early stage of their scholarly career with a desire to apply new technologies and techniques in their research.

• Applicants are required to have a doctorate in a related area by the expected start date of their fellowship.

• Applicants should have demonstrated a capacity for independent work, and will be expected to engage with researchers and ocean engineers, and participate in activities convened by the OOI.

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 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 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.

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.