Open position: Marine Carbon Biogeochemist – Deadline when position is filled

Dr. Zhaohui Aleck Wang’s Lab at WHOI is seeking a motivated individual at the Research Associate II level, with prior computational and/or modeling expertise or experience with marine carbonate chemistry and the ability to analyze and work with large datasets. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. Funding is available through June of 2024 with the possibility of extension.

The technician will work with team members to primarily conduct computational analysis of regional and global climate model output, but may also involve field sampling, sensor deployment and lab analysis of the carbonate parameters. Job responsibilities on computational analysis will include analysis of high-resolution, 3D physical and carbonate chemistry model output of the US Northeast Shelf Ecosystem, development of statistical downscaling approaches for global climate model output using both traditional and machine learning tools, organizing and managing carbonate system data, and summarizing acquired data. Job responsibilities for field sampling and measurements may include working as a team member to collect discrete bottle samples of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total, alkalinity (TA), and pH, deploy a new DIC-pH in situ sensor in coastal waters and controlled experiments to study impacts of Ocean Acidification. Both computational and field components of the job may involve data synthesis and preparing material for research papers and presentations. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or R, and possibly experience with high-performance computing, as well as experiences with seawater carbonate chemistry. Other desirable experience includes familiarity with in situ sensors and environmental sampling of chemical species (e.g. carbonate and nutrient chemistry), and experience with GitHub.

Research in the Wang lab at WHOI aims to better understand the marine/aquatic CO2 system. Specifically, we study ocean acidification, the inorganic carbon cycle in marine and other aquatic systems, and CO₂ fluxes across the air-sea interface by developing and deploying cutting-edge in-situ sensors to measure CO₂ system parameters, including dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), pH, partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂), and alkalinity. The technician will be mentored by both Z. Aleck Wang (Associate Scientist, MC&G) and Jennie Rheuban (Research Specialist, MC&G), and the technician will be a full and participating member of the lab group. The technician will have the opportunity to lead the preparation of manuscripts should they desire (though this is not required).

• Development and troubleshooting of analyses of large datasets
• Data visualization and analysis in MATLAB, Python or R
• Data management, curation, and archiving
• Understanding of carbonate chemistry
• Good troubleshooting skills, effective time management, attention to detail, ability to work independently
• Good writing skills

The successful candidate will have demonstrated initial competence in one or more specialized areas of science or research support. The opportunity exists for assumption of increased technical and/or managerial responsibilities based on the continued development of expertise. While there is no time limit to appointment at this rank, promotion within the Technical Staff is expected. To that end, promotion consideration can occur as early as the third year in rank; formal consideration should normally occur within five or six years in rank.

Master’s degree in a specifically related field with minimal relevant experience, or Bachelor’s degree in a related field with several years of relevant experience

Other experience could include:

• Working with and setting up analyses on high performance computing systems
• Laboratory skills in carbonate chemistry sample analysis
• Field experiences with environmental sampling and sensors

WHOI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect, where you must register your full vaccination status (vaccination plus booster) in order to begin employment. The registration process is confidential and entails submitting your official vaccination records or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift less than 25 lbs independently, 2 times per day; carry 10-25 lbs, 2 times per day. Visual abilities to include near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions, communicate effectively in loud areas (pier/dock, warehouse). Other physical tasks include occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic /fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, reaching above and below the shoulders, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others, as well as alone. Will be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical/mechanical/power equipment hazards. Physical duties are subject to change.

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