Postdoctoral Investigator - AOP&E

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is searching for a Postdoctoral Investigator to join the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department. This is a temporary, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. The appointment duration is 18 months (with potential extension to 24 months). Start date is flexible in the first quarter of 2024.

The postdoctoral investigator will focus on fundamental research related to ocean acoustics, with a main focus on developing or using numerical inverse methods to estimate seabed geoacoustic properties when considering acoustic propagation over or around a deep-water seamount. Experimental data, collected during the 2023 New England Seamounts Acoustic experiment (NESMA), will be available for this project. The investigator will have significant scientific flexibility to pursue their research ideas within this context. The investigator will also have the opportunity to contribute to experimental design and data collection for the 2024 NESMA experiment.

Investigators may benefit from collaboration with WHOI’s world class engineers and technicians. Research activities may engage federal, state, and local agencies and stakeholder communities, or lead to informing policy or addressing national security issues. Requirements include a PhD in ocean engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science. Expertise in ocean acoustics, numerical modeling, inverse theory, and/or machine learning are preferred.

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 their project.

Application is via online forms (https://careers.whoi.edu/how-to-apply/) that include specific fields for information, as well as for uploading of a research statement*; a complete curriculum vitae; up to three relevant publications; and a cover letter that contains the contact information of at least three references.

*The research statement is a concise document (no longer than four pages) addressing the research interests to be pursued at WHOI. The research statement may also cover anticipated career plans, as well as interests in, experience with, and/or planned commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Further, an extra page can be added for an 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).

The preferred start date for this position is in the first quarter of 2024. This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

To advance the goals of long-term broadening of participation in ocean science and engineering, we are particularly interested in attracting applicants from groups historically underrepresented in oceanography. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to WHOI’s academic excellence and leadership in the global scientific community. WHOI stands committed to a sustained effort to advance inclusion and belonging throughout all levels of the Institution.

Preference for in person. Hybrid and fully remote will also be considered.

• Numerical simulations and/or numerical modeling

  
  

• Experimental data analysis
  
  

• Coding (Matlab and/or Python and/or Fortran)
  
  

• Presenting research results
  
  

• Writing manuscripts

• Education: PhD 
  
  

• Previous Experience Desired: Ocean acoustics and/or acoustical signal processing and/or ocean numerical modeling and/or inverse methods and/or machine learning

Commensurate with Sea Duty – no further requirements.

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.