Postdoctoral Investigator

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Postdoctoral Investigator to join the Biology Department. This is a temporary, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possible second and third year continuation contingent on progress and funding.

The postdoctoral investigator will conduct fundamental research at the interface of phytoplankton ecology and mathematical ecology. The position will involve joining a collaborative team of researchers who are using multifaceted approaches to study marine planktonic ecosystems, including how population and community dynamics are linked to environmental conditions. The research, supported by the Simons Foundation, involves opportunities for developing and applying novel approaches in plankton ecology, especially leveraging new observational strategies (instrumentation), large spatio-temporal data sets (plankton imagery and cytometry, etc.); mathematical models and data-model integration strategies; and data analysis, exploration, and synthesis methods (e.g., computer vision, machine learning, ecological network analysis, etc.). The position involves opportunities to engage with multidisciplinary groups within the NES-LTER project (https://nes-lter.whoi.edu/) and other on-going observational programs. There will also be the potential for collaborative interactions with software engineers to develop and evaluate scalable tools for use of imaging data in marine ecology. The investigator will be expected to pursue hypotheses of their own within these topic areas and produce manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals. Strong communication skills and experience working in small collaborative teams are required.

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. 

Online application forms should be submitted with a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. Positions are available immediately.  Preference will be given to applications received by March 1, 2024 but applicants will be considered until the position is filled.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative team of researchers who are using multifaceted approaches to study marine planktonic ecosystems, including how population and community dynamics are linked to environmental conditions. The research, supported by the Simons Foundation, involves opportunities for developing and applying novel approaches in plankton ecology, especially leveraging new observational strategies (instrumentation), large spatio-temporal data sets (plankton imagery and cytometry, etc.); mathematical models and data-model integration strategies; and data analysis, exploration, and synthesis methods (e.g., computer vision, machine learning, ecological network analysis, etc.). The position(s) will involve opportunities to engage with multidisciplinary groups within the NES-LTER project (https://nes-lter.whoi.edu/) and other on-going observational programs. There will also be the potential for collaborative interactions with software engineers to develop and evaluate scalable tools for use of imaging data in marine ecology.

Applicants must have a PhD in oceanography, ecology, applied mathematics, computer science, or another scientific or engineering field with applications in ecology. 

Previous experience desired: less than 2 years of postdoctoral experience; demonstrated interest and ability to work across disciplines; previous experience in ecological applications desirable; experience in applied mathematics, computer science, data science, or engineering applications in environmental science desirable.   

Mostly sedentary.