Job Listings

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for Engineer I/Engineer II applicants to join the Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department. This position seeks candidates with interests in oceanographic research, ocean exploration and/or ocean-based climate solutions. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.   Primary responsibilities will include the development, design, and implementation of mechanical, electronic and/or embedded systems associated with purpose-built oceanographic equipment and marine robotics. An applicant hired into this position may be responsible for the design and integration of oceanographic instrumentation, marine vehicle sensor payloads, and the development of unmanned underwater vehicle platforms. This position may also include assessing, troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues with equipment and sensors in the field as well as in laboratory settings. The individual may organize and carry out coastal field work and support research cruises onboard oceanographic research vessels. They may also assist in the development of software for real-time processing of sensor data or otherwise assist or contribute to the analysis of data from field sensors to produce curated data products. They will be encouraged to contribute to writing and presenting published research at academic conferences and to support STEAM outreach and intern mentorship programs. Candidates with mechanical, electrical, computer science, software or robotics backgrounds are encouraged to apply for this position.   The internal working title for this position could be either Engineer I or Engineer II. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience.    WHOI is committed to creating a diverse research community and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Research Assistant to join the Biology Department. This is a regular, fulltime, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.     JOB SUMMARY   The Alexander, Pachiadaki, and Tepolt labs at WHOI are seeking a motivated individual with prior computational biology or bioinformatics experience to work as a bioinformatics technician. The technician will assist team members by providing computational analysis of multi-omics data. Job responsibilities will include analyzing high-throughput sequencing data (i.e., Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio), assembling genomes, RNA-Seq data analysis, variant calling, creating new bioinformatics workflows, implementing improvements to existing workflows, organizing and managing genetic data, summarizing acquired data, preparing material for research papers and presentations, and submitting data to repositories. We seek a candidate with proficiency in Python, R, and BASH scripting, and experience with high-performance computing. Desirable but nonessential experience includes familiarity with bioinformatics in non-model systems and environmental samples (e.g. metagenomics or population genomics), proficiency and experience with workflow management systems (e.g. Snakemake or Nextflow), and experience with GitHub.   The Alexander lab studies the biogeochemical functioning and physiological ecology of eukaryotic plankton, the Pachiadaki lab studies biogeography and ecophysiology of marine bacteria and archaea, the Tepolt lab studies population genetics and rapid adaptation in marine invertebrates. Time will be split between these three labs (and possibly others at WHOI depending on need), and the technician will be a full and participating member of all lab groups. This position is fully computational and is ideal for a candidate who wishes to gain experience in the application of advanced bioinformatic approaches to the study of marine organisms and ocean ecosystems. The technician will be credited as a co-author on papers to which they make substantial analytical contributions, and may have the opportunity to be involved in writing manuscripts (though this is not required).   There is the possibility of this role being remote/hybrid.  Funding is through December of 2024 with the possibility of extension.   The internal working title for this position could be either Research Assistant II, or Research Assistant III. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience. 

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for one or more Postdoctoral Investigators to join the Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department. These are temporary, full-time, exempt positions, and are eligible for benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of a one-year extension.   We invite applications for one or more postdoctoral researchers in the area of environmental ‘omics, specifically in the field of linking metabolomics and proteomics. We use analytical chemistry to explore the intersection of microbial biology and chemistry within marine systems. This postdoctoral position will be shared between one lab focused on proteomics (Saito lab) and one lab focused on metabolomics (Kujawinski lab). Potential projects include: examining metabolites and proteins from a model marine phytoplankton, linking existing ‘omics datasets to examine the intersection of proteins and metabolites in the subtropical north Atlantic. The successful applicant will be trained in all aspects of environmental sample analysis, including sample processing, mass spectrometry, and data analysis. A PhD in chemical oceanography, biogeochemistry, analytical chemistry or a related field is required. Experience with mass spectrometry, metabolomics, proteomics, and downstream data analysis as well as knowledge of programming tools such as MATLAB, Python, or R would be advantageous. The position is available for one year, renewable for a maximum of two years. Review of applications will begin February 1, 2023 and continue until one position is filled. Inquiries should be addressed to ekujawinski@whoi.edu or msaito@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 the names and email address of three people willing to write letters of recommendation. Applications will be reviewed upon submission.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently seeking an Assistant Director of Stewardship to join the Development Department. This is a regular full-time exempt position and is eligible for benefits.   Reporting to the Director of Advancement Services, the Assistant Director of Stewardship will serve as a key partner on the Development team and will partner with the current Assistant Director to oversee the strategy for and development of cultivation and stewardship materials and activities for donors and prospects at WHOI, with an emphasis on those making philanthropic contributions at higher levels. The Assistant Director will lead the development of high-quality communications that demonstrate the need for and impact of donor support, translating scientific complexity into compelling cases and narratives. This position is part of an expanding, entrepreneurial team at an exciting period of growth for WHOI, and will partner broadly across the department and institution to deepen the relationship between supporters and scientists.  This is a regular, full-time, exempt position and is eligible for benefits. 

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Research Associate to join the Physical Oceanography Department. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligile for benefits.   Coupled Climate Modeling on the extratropical ocean-atmosphere interaction   Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) invites applications for a Research Associate III with a specialty on the coupled climate modeling to work on various projects by Young-Oh Kwon (WHOI) and the collaborators in multiple institutions including the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The primary area of focus is the large-scale extratropical ocean-atmosphere interaction.   The task will involve providing modeling support for various projects, participation in the analysis, and writing papers as a lead or co-author. The position would also allow the successful candidate to develop their own research proposals to external funding agencies, e.g., NSF, as a lead or co-PI, if desired by the candidate.   Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, up to three relevant publications, and contact information for at least three professional references. Please apply online https://tinyurl.com/mv7wjuse. Application review will begin on May 15, 2023, but the position will remain open until it is filled.   For further information please contact Young-Oh Kwon (yokwon@whoi.edu).  

Would you enjoy creating and developing cutting-edge instrumentation and electronics solutions for a broad range of ocean science applications?   Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for a non-research Postdoctoral Investigator to join its Autonomous Vehicles and Sensing Technologies program (AVAST). This non-research postdoctoral position with AVAST will provide broad expertise to WHOI’s research community for prototyping in instrumentation, electronics, mechatronics, control systems, and related areas. The AVAST Postdoctoral Investigator is a full time, regular on-site position reporting to the AVAST Director.  The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of a one-year extension. Roughly half of this position will be used to provide high-level design support to WHOI researchers who need incidental or longer-term expertise with electronics prototyping, innovation, and assessment. Roughly one quarter will be used to work directly with WHOI researchers to ideate, scope, and plan electronics or automation solutions for new ocean technology projects and proposals. The remaining one quarter will be used to enhance instrumentation and related aspects of AVAST’s resource ecosystem in WHOI’s David Center for Ocean Innovation. These work-effort distributions may be adjusted by the AVAST Director as needed in response to AVAST needs or demand. .   AVAST SITE: https://www2.whoi.edu/site/avast/   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. The AVAST Postdoctoral Investigator will have the opportunity to participate in educational and outreach activities associated with WHOI’s postdoctoral program.   Applicants must provide a concise statement (no longer than four pages) that addresses (1) professional interests that could be pursued within WHOI within AVAST, (2) anticipated career plans, with an explanation of how postdoctoral professional experience at WHOI would complement an applicant’s existing experience and preparation, (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).    

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is searching for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Embedded Systems Engineer to join the Oceanographic Systems Lab (OSL) within the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department (AOPE). This is a regular full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.     OSL is a world leader in Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) technology and operation in many complex oceanographic environments.  Military and scientific applications of AUVs are supported by OSL including biologic and physical surveys, mapping, under-ice operations, environmental anomaly detection, and filming megafauna.  OSL works with REMUS AUVs developed at WHOI and equipment designed elsewhere, expanding capabilities of the AUVs and the sensors they support.  The OSL team operates in a creative and exciting workspace from creation of ideas to deployment in the field. OSL is where the REMUS family of vehicles originated. OSL continues to be a field leading underwater robotics group that solves some of the world’s most difficult problems for the Department of Defense, Science, and Industry.   OSL is recruiting qualified candidates for a position in electronic and software engineering in support of applied research and development in underwater robotics, communication, and navigation. The work will involve support of existing systems, electronic design and development of new systems, and troubleshooting at all levels.  Specifically, it will require support and development of electronic designs for embedded, microcontroller-based systems and their firmware, and of software for general purpose computers.  The position will also involve going to sea to support data collection and experimentation, and post-processing and analysis.   A successful candidate, with little supervision, works creatively and independently to establish objectives, meet deadlines, and complete difficult engineering assignments by demonstrating full competency in one or more engineering areas; assists substantively in planning technical aspects of new developments, as well as design, testing, and use of major system components.   The internal working title for this position could be either Engineer II, Research Engineer or Senior Engineer.  The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education and experience.  

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for two Postdoctoral Investigators to join the Physical Oceanography Department. This is a temporary, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of a one-year extension.   The Postdoc will split their time working on datasets from the Pacific Arctic and Subpolar North Atlantic. For the former, the postdoc will analyze a recently collected hydrographic/velocity survey of the Chukchi Sea to investigate various aspects of the shelf circulation and water mass distribution. For the latter, the postdoc will analyze data from a mooring array across shelf/slope of southwest Greenland as part of the Overturning of the Subpolar North Atlantic Project (OSNAP) to investigate aspects of the boundary current system.   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 via the appropriate fields in the application with a research statement describing research accomplishments, current work, future direction and career goals; a complete curriculum vitae; up to three relevant publications; and a cover letter that contains the contact information of at least three references.   The preferred start date for this position is March 1, 2023. This posting will remain open until filled.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently seeking a Public Relations Specialist to join the Communications Department. This is a regular full-time exempt position and is eligible for benefits.   Reporting to the Director of Public Relations, the Public Relations Specialist is responsible for supporting and helping to advance WHOI’s public and media relations efforts with the goals of maintaining a positive image of the WHOI brand, increasing brand awareness and engagement, raising broad awareness of the importance of the ocean and ocean research, and supporting Institutional and departmental initiatives, as necessary. The Public Relations Specialist is a major contributor to WHOI’s earned media strategy and supports crisis communications, community relations, content development, and other related communications tasks as directed. The candidate will also have a strong knowledge of social media tactics and channels as they relate to the communications function.     The internal working title for this position is Public Relations Specialist.   

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for a Mechanical Engineer to join the Alvin Submersible Engineering and Operations Group. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.   Alvin is the world’s most famous and prolific human occupied submersible, continually operating since its commissioning in 1964. For over five decades, and 5000+ dives Alvin has advanced our understanding of the Earth’s ocean environments, uncovering many significant scientific discoveries along the way. Alvin was recently certified to 6500m and now has the ability to explore over 98% of the ocean floor.   The Alvin Group is currently seeking a highly motivated, technically competent and responsible Mechanical Engineer to join our operations team. With supervision, a successful candidate applies mechanical aptitude and acquired knowledge of established procedures to the maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of vehicle related equipment used in the operation and support of the Alvin submersible.   This is a physically demanding position requiring the ability and willingness to spend six-to-eight months per year at sea. The remainder of the year’s workload would be at the institution and may require a local residence. After an initial training period, the position would allow for minimally supervised maintenance on the vehicle, and additional qualifications to perform key submersible support roles. Exceptional candidates will be entered into the Alvin Pilot in Training program with the goal of completing qualifications as Alvin Pilot in Command.   The internal working title of this position is Engineer I.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is seeking a Postdoctoral Investigator to join our Super Reefs team (https://superreefs.whoi.edu/). This is a regular full-time, exempt position, eligible for full benefits. The appointment is for 24 months with the possibility of an extension based on performance and availability of funding. The successful candidate will have a PhD in tropical, shallow water coral reef ecology, coral physiology and/or coral genetics. Applicants with strong ecological training and overlapping interest and/or expertise in oceanography, hydrodynamics or climate are encouraged.   The position involves extensive travel, field and underwater experience, and an AAUS certification is required either at the time of hire, or to be trained at WHOI. The position involves multidisciplinary collaborations with scientists, engineers, NGO’s and stakeholders, in multiple countries and across time-zones. A strong team-work ethic, ability to collaborate widely, and excellent communication skills are thus required.  Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has a top-rated postdoctoral program (www.whoi.edu/postdoctoral/) that supports a dynamic postdoctoral community with formal mentoring and career guidance programs. The Postdoctoral Investigator will have the opportunity to participate in educational and outreach activities associated with the project. The position start date will be now through December 1, 2022.     

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Mechanic or Sr. Mechanic to join the Facilities Department. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. Reporting to the Lead Mechanic, this position assists with the planning and oversight of maintenance, repair, and installation work of all ship board, mechanical and scientific systems.   Mechanic: Performs mechanical construction, repair, maintenance, and installation involving a wide variety of shipboard and shore mechanical and scientific systems and equipment items.   Senior Mechanic:  Performs complex mechanical construction, repair, and installation work involving a wide variety of shop and scientific equipment.   Through training and/or work experience, the ideal candidate should be skilled in several trades, enabling the application of technical knowledge to perform assigned tasks independent of supervision.  Unusual and unprecedented situations are reviewed with Mechanical Shop Supervisor.   

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking a Shop Services Assistant  to join our Facilities Department. Under general direction from a Facilities Shop Supervisor, the candidate will performs a variety of routine work associated with the areas of machining, maintenance, electrical, and/or carpentry.    The regular, full-time, non-exempt position is eligible for full benefits. 

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for an Engineer I or Engineer II to join the Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department. This is a regular full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.     Engineer I or II: With some supervision to achieve assigned objectives, identifies and participates in engineering projects in support of REMUS vehicle-based scientific and research activities through the demonstration of one or more specialized skills. Will be expected to work on tasks requiring creativity and independent thinking, along with a proven understanding of fundamental research and engineering principles.   The internal working title for this position could be either Engineer I or Engineer II.  The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience. 

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s The Ocean Twilight Zone (OTZ) project (https://twilightzone.whoi.edu/) is hiring two postdoctoral investigators to focus on midwater ecosystems and organisms. The OTZ Project is a large-scale research effort funded by TED Audacious. The project is in its fourth year of six. Current research efforts underway include: 1) quantifying and understanding the distribution of twilight zone biomass and biodiversity; 2) uncovering food web linkages within the twilight zone and between the twilight zone and other ocean realms; 3) determining the life histories and behaviors of twilight zone animals; 4) understanding the role of the twilight zone and its inhabitants in the global carbon cycle; and 5) the potential consequences of harvesting mesopelagic organisms. Interweaved through these science themes, are state-of-the-art and emerging technologies. This project is unique at WHOI due to its large investment in public awareness and global policy engagement.   This is a temporary, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of a 6-12 month extension.   The OTZ project is looking to fill two postdoctoral investigator positions in the following areas:   - Fish ecologist, with preference given to those with experience in fish age, growth, reproduction, or behavior; - Integration of acoustic, net, and optical data and techniques to understand the biomass and distribution of mesopelagic organisms. Experience with processing of acoustic and optical data, inversion of acoustic data, and analysis of net samples strongly preferred.   It is anticipated that the two OTZ postdocs would work at the interface of research performed by Joel Llopiz, Heidi Sosik, and Andone Lavery. Please contact kbaltes@whoi.edu for more information.   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.   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.   An online application form should be submitted with a cover letter describing research interests and career goals, a complete curriculum vitae, up to three relevant publications, and the contact information of at least three references.   Applications will be reviewed starting July 15, 2022. Open until filled, with a starting date by the end of 2022.    

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking two Facilities Engineer to join our Facilities Department. Under general direction from the Facilities Director, the Facilities Engineeror Sr. Facilities Engineer is responsible for implementing engineering solutions in a dynamic ocean research institution. This includes HVAC, mechanical systems, and activities surrounding construction or renovation projects for innovative scientists and ocean engineers. The successful applicant applies effective communication and construction management techniques to the planning, design, and implementation of assigned project(s) from conception to completion, controlling time and cost while ensuring a high level of quality. Responsibilities include scheduling and coordinating all design and construction processes: selecting, hiring, and overseeing specialty trade contractors; managing the project budget; coordinating and managing materials and equipment; reviewing contracts; and ensuring the safety of employees and the general public. Be part of our mission to transform ocean science for a better and more sustainable world. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits. The internal working titles for this position could be either Facilities Engineeror Sr. Facilities Engineer. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education & experience.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for multiple Engineering Techniciansto join the Mooring Operations and Engineering Group within the Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department. These are temporary, casual, non-exempt positions with the potential to become full-time and are eligible for casual benefits.   With some supervision, the successful candidate applies a broad knowledge of established procedures to the assembly of research buoys, moorings and equipment used in support of engineering projects related to oceanographic research.   The internal working title for this position could be either Engineering Assistant II or Engineering Assistant III. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education and experience.  

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for two Machinist or Sr. Machinist to join the Facilities Department to perform routine and production machining of metals and plastics. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.   The internal working titles for this position could be either Machinist or Sr. Machinist. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education & experience.