Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) seeks a Postdoctoral Investigator (PDI) to perform interdisciplinary research in sea-level science. This is a temporary, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. The initial appointment will be for up to two years, starting in early 2023 and ending in late 2024. Possible renewal of the appointment is conditional on the PDI making satisfactory progress during the prior years and continuation of funding.

The PDI will interact with a cross-departmental team of scientists, possibly including (but not limited to) Drs. Christopher Piecuch and Geoffrey Gebbie in Physical Oceanography, Sarah Das and Jeffrey Donnelly in Geology and Geophysics, and Britt Raubenheimer and Catherine Walker in Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering. Applicants are encouraged to identify projects with societal relevance and intellectual merit that involve multiple components of the climate system (ocean, cryosphere, solid Earth, atmosphere, land). Research could be based on models, observations, reconstructions, and/or theory; focus on past, present, and/or future sea-level change; center on mean sea level, tide, storm surge, and/or wave effects; and target spatial scales ranging from local to global and temporal scales from minutes to millennia and beyond.

WHOI 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.

WHOI has a strong commitment to scientific excellence and diversity, and we strongly encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and foster a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Applications from minority serving institutions and historically black colleges and universities are particularly encouraged.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, up to three relevant publications, names/contact information for at least three professional references, as well as a concise statement (no longer than four pages) that addresses (1) research interests to be pursued at WHOI, (2) anticipated career plans, with an explanation of how postdoctoral research at WHOI would complement the applicant’s existing experience and preparation, and (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).

Please reach out to Associate Scientists Christopher Piecuch (cpiecuch@whoi.edu ) and Sarah Das (sdas@whoi.edu ) in case of any questions. Applications received by 31 January 2023 will receive full consideration and the position will remain open until filled.

Essential Functions

Perform interdisciplinary research in sea-level science as described under Job Summary.

Education & Experience

• PhD degree (or nearly-completed) in Physical Oceanography, Climate Science, Geology, Geophysics, Geodynamics, Geodesy, Glaciology, Physics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or other relevant disciplines
• Prior experience in observational, numerical, and/or theoretical sea-level research
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as evidenced preferably through publications in peer-reviewed scientific literature and presentations to a variety of audiences

Special Requirements

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. 

Physical Requirements

Job Expectations: This position is mostly sedentary, but also requires the ability to meet with colleagues across the WHOI campuses, to travel to present results at national and international conferences, to collaborate with diverse groups of people, and to communicate effectively.

WHOI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans/M/F. We encourage Veterans and those with Disabilities to apply. Applications are reviewed confidentially. Applicants that require accommodation in the job application process are encouraged to contact us at (508) 289-2253 or email eeo@whoi.edu  for assistance.