Postdoctoral Investigator

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for two Postdoctoral Investigators to join the Biology Department. This is a fulltime, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of a one-year extension.

Postdoctoral Opportunity: Ecological Forecasting of Antarctic Penguin Populations

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA

Full-time

We are seeking, two, highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our interdisciplinary team at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) to contribute to cutting-edge ecological forecasting research. This position focuses on ecological forecasting of Antarctic penguin populations, specifically examining the factors influencing ecological predictability across different time scales. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of Dr. Stephanie Jenouvrier at WHOI and collaborate closely with Dr. Marika Holland at NCAR.

Research will involve comparative assessments of demographic predictability within and among penguin species in Antarctica. With the environment being highly dynamic and strongly coupled to biological processes, understanding how these populations may respond to future changes is critical. The project investigates the predictability of Antarctic climate and its influence on seabird demographic responses.

Applicants should possess or be close to obtaining a PhD in quantitative ecology, applied mathematics and statistics, computer science, or related fields. Strong computational skills, including programming and Bayesian data analysis, are essential for this position. Prior experience with high-performance computing, age-structured population models, time series population models, STAN, Matlab, and GitHub/version control is required. We are particularly interested in candidates with excellent critical thinking and quantitative analysis skills, as well as strong written and communication abilities. The ability to drive projects forward in a timely manner is crucial.

WHOI is committed to scientific excellence and diversity. We encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and foster a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. The position is anticipated to start no later than January 2024, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. The appointment will be for one year. WHOI offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

To apply, please submit a CV, a one-page statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to Dr. Stephanie Jenouvrier at s.jenouvrier@whoi.edu.

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.

In a cutting-edge ecological forecasting research position, the postdoc will be expected to develop and contribute to advanced ecological models that push the boundaries of predictive capabilities.  Here are some specific areas and models that the postdoc may be involved in:  Dynamic Poluation Models:  Constructing dynamic population models to simulate and forecast population dynamics of key specieis.  These models may incorporate demographic parameters, environmental drivers, and ecological processes to predict population trends, abundance, and viability over time.  Metapopulation Models:  Developing metapopulation models to understand the spatial dynamics and connectivity of populations across fragmented landscapes.  These models may consider factors such as habitat quality, dispersal rates, and landscape connectivity to forecast population persistence and metapopulation dynamics.  Climate Change Impact Models:  Creating models that integrate climate projections with population dynamics to forecast the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services.  This may involve considering multiple climate scenarios and projecting changes in populations. Publication and dissemination of findings: The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for preparing research manuscripts and presenting findings at conferences and workshops. They will collaborate with the research team to publish research articles in scientific journals and contribute to the dissemination of research outcomes to the broader scientific community. Collaborative research and teamwork: The postdoc will work closely with the research team, including principal investigators, other post doctorates. They will actively participate in research discussions, contribute to project planning and design, and collaborate on joint publications and presentations.

Education Desired: Applicants should possess or be close to obtaining a PhD in quantitative ecology, applied mathematics and statistics, computer science, or related fields.

WHOI is a federal contractor required to comply with Executive Order 14042. As such, WHOI has enacted a Mandated COVID19 vaccination policy effective December 8, 2021 where you must register your vaccination status in order to begin your employment. The registration process entails confidentially submitting a vaccination card and/or your vaccination status or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.  

Working with others.