Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Postdoctoral Investigator 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 annual renewal up to at least two years. Renewal of the appointment is conditional on the PDI making satisfactory progress during the prior year(s) and continuation of funding.

This position involves coupled physical-biogeochemical modeling for ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE), a promising approach for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, as identified by a recent report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

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, up to three relevant publications, and the names and contact information for at least three professional references. Applications will be reviewed upon submission.  The successful candidate is expected to start the appointment in late 2023.

Initial consideration will be given to applications received before August 1, 2023.

Essential Functions

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team with scientists and engineers from the Departments of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Physical Oceanography, Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, and Geology and Geophysics as part of the Locking away Ocean Carbon in the Northeast Shelf and Slope (LOC-NESS) project (subhaslab.whoi.edu/loc-ness).

The PDI’s role entails the development, execution, and evaluation of a series of coupled simulations using a high-resolution (1-km) ocean circulation model for the Northeast Atlantic shelf-slope region. The primary objectives include coupling biogeochemical modules relevant to OAE with the circulation model, conducting numerical simulations to quantify OAE efficacies (e.g., alkalinity pulse-chase experiments), and analyzing and synthesizing the model results. The PDI is expected to interact with the observational branch of the LOC-NESS team throughout the project particularly before, during and after the field trials scheduled in 2024-2025. Applicants with a strong background in regional (or global) ocean modeling, the interplay between physical and biogeochemical processes impacting carbonate chemistry and alkalinity budget, and proficient programming skills are encouraged to apply.

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 PDI will have the opportunity to participate in educational and outreach activities associated with the project.

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 the minority serving institutions and historically black colleges and universities are particularly encouraged.

For further information please contact Dr. Heather Kim (hkim@whoi.edu).  

Education & Experience

• PhD. degree (or nearly-completed) in Physical Oceanography, Climate Science, Chemical/Biological Oceanography, or other relevant disciplines;
• Prior experience in regional (or global) ocean modeling, preferably using the ROMS (Regional Ocean Modeling System);
• Understanding of regional circulation and its impacts on carbonate chemistry in the Northwest Atlantic;
• Experience with statistical analyses of large datasets and numerical model simulations;
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as evidenced preferably through publications in peer-reviewed scientific literature and presentations to a variety of audiences.