Postdoctoral Investigator – Geology & Geophysics

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is searching for a Postdoctoral Investigator to join our multidisciplinary coral reef research team. This is a regular full-time, exempt position, eligible for full benefits. The appointment is for 15 months with the possibility of an extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Research in the Cohen Lab at WHO focuses on climate change and its impact on coral reef ecosystems. We work across broad spatial and temporal scales, and employ a diverse toolkit of analytical techniques, using both field observations and experiments, and laboratory-based manipulation experiments. We work across disciplines and collaborate widely to draw on the hydrodynamic, biogeochemical, ecological and physiological expertise needed to address the most critical questions. We collaborate closely with conservation organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, local NGOs and governments of coral reef island nations to maximize the science-to-action potential of our research. We invest significant effort in outreach and communication to the general public, K-12, teachers, the United Nations, the US congress.

We’re seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist with expertise in tropical, shallow water coral reef ecology, coral physiology and/or genetics to contribute to two new efforts, one a traditional research project and the other a non-traditional Convergence Accelerator. The research project merges expertise in physical oceanography, hydrodynamics, coral reef ecology and coral physiology to investigate the biophysics of coral reef resilience in the central equatorial Pacific. The Convergence Accelerator is a collaboration between academic scientists, industry and conservation organizations to build the first Coral Reef Digital Twin. We especially encourage applicants with a willingness and ability to think outside of the box extensive coral reef field experience and AAUS certification or equivalent, a willingness to sail to remote coral reef islands and an exceptional ability to work collaboratively and generously.

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. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and contribute to our efforts to increase equity and inclusion in ocean science.

Online applications should be submitted, via the appropriate fields, with a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. Applications will be reviewed upon submission. Informal inquiries may be made by email to Dr. Cohen (acohen@whoi.edu).

The successful candidate will

• Conduct scientific research and work with team to design and conduct fieldwork;
• Generate, analyze and interpret data;
• Publish peer reviewed papers;
• Present work at meetings and conferences;
• Communication of science beyond academia;
• Contribute to proposal design and writing;
• Collaborate with academic organizations, industrial and NGO partners;
• Participate in workshops with non-academic partners.www.whoi.edu/postdoctoral/https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/educate/postdoctoral/

Required:

• Ph.D in coral reef ecology and/or coral ecophysiology and/or coral genetics
• Strong publication record
• Extensive field experience and AAUS or equivalent dive certification
• Willingness to go to sea for extended periods, sometimes to remote places
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred:

• Strong computational/quantitative skills
• Experience in the laboratory
• An interest in oceanography/hydrodynamics/climate of coral reef systems

Willingness and ability to travel, sometimes to remote places.