Job Listings

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 is currently searching for a Postdoctoral Investigator to join the Coastal Ocean Fluid Dynamics Laboratory in the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering (AOPE) Department. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position and is eligible for full benefits. The initial appointment will be for 12 months, and continuance will be determined by performance and available funding.   The project will use established remote sensing methods to measure kelp canopy on global scales. Research will be focused on the development of new classifiers, validation with high resolution imagery, and establishing a code-base on Google Earth Engine to extend current methods to multiple regions around the world. Research will be conducted at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution with no planned field work.   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.   Applications will be reviewed starting – 2 weeks after posting

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution seeks a strategic, proactive, and team-oriented Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to join their talented Advancement team.   About Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Founded in 1930, the mission of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is to understand the ocean for our planet and our future. At WHOI, some of the most world’s most talented ocean scientists and engineers are pursuing this aspiration by pushing the boundaries of knowledge about the ocean to reveal its impacts on our planet and our lives.   Today, the WHOI community includes 1,000 scientific and technical staff, ships’ crew and administrative support staff, as well as about 130 Joint Program students. All of these individuals contribute to a common goal: to help advance research and understanding of the ocean and its role in shaping the planet and in sustaining life on Earth.   To guide the Institution into the next decade and beyond, WHOI leadership crafted an ambitious plan, Vision 2030, that focuses on three strategic actions: Investing in Inclusive Excellence, Leading Innovation, and Engaging the World. It is guided by a set of core values that frame how WHOI views itself and looks at the world, and how the scientific community, policymakers, funders, industry, and the public will be engaged in its work. These core values include: • A passion for innovation and discovery • The capacity to take on challenges of extraordinary scale and complexity • An enduring commitment to rigorous, independent, and trusted science • Distinctive capabilities in ocean science and engineering, exploration, education, and marine operations • A close-knit community of distinguished, committed, and entrepreneurial staff   In addition, WHOI has embraced diversity, equity, and inclusion principles that will develop a more welcoming and supportive environment in which the voices of all people are fully represented and fully heard. Earth and ocean sciences are among the least diverse of the natural and physical sciences, so WHOI leadership will lead a community-wide effort to recruit and retain new generations of scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds and to better reflect the larger society it serves. WHOI is proud of this commitment and believes it is essential to its future, its science, and its larger engagement with society.   For more information about Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, please visit: https://www.whoi.edu/   About Philanthropy at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution WHOI has a strong history of fundraising from a broad base of supporters, and the cultivation of philanthropic giving from individuals, corporations, and foundations has been instrumental to advancing the mission of understanding of the ocean. Private philanthropy in particular has been an integral part of WHOI’s success since it was founded in 1930, and charitable organizations such as the Rockefeller Foundation helped establish the Institution’s endowment, funded the construction of new buildings and research vessels, and provided preliminary operating expenses. Today, private funding continues to support innovative ideas, technologies, and scientific discoveries. With a collaborative 20-person development team, WHOI has been named a four-star charity by Charity Navigator for 10 consecutive years, a distinction achieved by only two percent of U.S. charities. Support for WHOI from donors reached $35M in 2021, and results are projected to exceed $90M in 2022 (including a $25M gift from an anonymous foundation), 40% of which is anticipated to come from corporate and foundation partners. WHOI is in the early phase of a comprehensive campaign and the new Director will play a significant role in the success of the campaign through the careful stewardship of WHOI’s current supporters and ambitious identification and solicitation of new prospects and funding partners. About the Position The Director of Corporate Foundation Relations will report to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and will work closely with WHOI’s principal investigators (PIs) and dynamic and visionary new leadership, to lead institutional philanthropy through the creative engagement of foundations and corporations. The position manages the Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and will set the strategic direction for, and then execute, a comprehensive annual plan for the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) to achieve an annual eight-figure fundraising goal. The position also manages all aspects of corporate and foundation philanthropic relationships, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding CFR prospects, and participates in the implementation of solicitation strategies, ensuring compliance with foundation guidelines, including required reporting procedures and financial monitoring of grants. In addition to overseeing their own portfolio, the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will also conduct research to identify new opportunities that leverage broad-scale investment in WHOI’s priority programs and initiatives within funder guidelines.    

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.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for an Electrical 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 renowned 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 Electronics/Electrical Engineer to join our operations team. With supervision, a successful candidate applies electronic/electrical 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.   This is an entry-level position designed to encourage the connection and application of academic training to results-orientated projects in support of scientific and research activities.  Initially this position will have direct supervision to achieve structured and assigned objectives.   The internal working title for 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 is currently searching for two Security Guard to join the Facilities Department.These are regular, half-time, non-exempt position eligible for Benefits.   Under direct supervision, performs routine security checks during the night and on weekends throughout the entire Institution. Schedule can be any of the following shifts, every other weekend 8am-4pm and Weds 12am-8am.    

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.    

The Firmware and Software Engineer will work in the development, test and fielding of complex assemblies, including acoustic signal processing, data telemetry, robotics, and instrument control. The work will include feature additions and maintenance within existing code bases, as well as clean-sheet designs for new projects and applications. In addition to software development skills, a reasonable amount of electronic hardware skills are required as well, including an understanding of wiring diagrams and schematics, experience with meters and oscilloscopes, and ideally, debugging tools such as logic analyzers and extensive use of JTAG. Engineers in this position are also expected to work with many types of sensors whose interfaces may include I2C, RS-232/485, CAN, SPI and understand the principles of DMA and interrupt service routines.   The Advanced Engineering Laboratory, located in a waterfront facility in Woods Hole, consists of engineers and technicians who work on a wide range of oceanographic systems including autonomous undersea vehicles, autonomous surface vehicles, underwater acoustics and communications, and complex sensors for physical oceanography, chemistry and biology. Within the lab, multiple groups develop cutting-edge technology for scientific and US Navy applications, and take that technology from initial prototype to complete product.   The position requires an engineer with significant hands-on experience with programming embedded micro-controllers and working in a Linux environment.     The position will include projects that take multiple forms, including working with a team that includes other engineers and a project manager, or, operating independently with a scientist and a group of graduate students or post-docs. Domestic and foreign travel up to several times per year for several weeks is typical, but not always required. Time at sea on small coastal vessels or large research craft will likely be required. The successful applicant will also have a strong interest in the ocean and marine environment, ocean-related sciences, and robotics for scientific and US Navy applications.   The internal working title for this position could be either Engineer II, or Research Engineer. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience.    This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. This individual will join the Advanced Engineering Lab within the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for two Postdoctoral Investigators to join the Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry 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.   We are seeking candidates for two postdoctoral investigator positions for two separate projects within Drs. Christopher Reddy and Collin Ward’s laboratories in the Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry at WHOI. Both positions are for one year and may extend to two years contingent on additional funding and performance. Both projects focus on determining the rates, transformation pathways and products, and governing controls of, plastic disintegration and degradation in the marine environment. One project broadly focuses on bio-based plastics developed by Eastman Chemical Company, and the other project broadly focuses on single-use consumer plastics.  We anticipate collaboration across both projects.   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.

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.