Job Summary
Job Description
The Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry is seeing a full-time Postdoctoral Investigator to develop methods to characterize the chemical and isotopic composition of polysaccharides extracted from surface seawater. A large fraction of the organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus that accumulates in seawater occurs as a family of high molecular weight polysaccharides. These polysaccharides are resistant to conventional methods of polysaccharide analyses, and new approaches that combine novel wet-chemical depolymerization with spectrometric characterization by NMR and HPLC-MS need to be developed. The investigator will lead the development of new approaches to depolymerize, label and separate/characterize complex mixtures of oligosaccharides by HPLC-MS. The position is full time for one year with an extension of up to 20 months upon satisfactory progress.
The candidate should have experience with large volume water sampling from open ocean oceanographic vessels, large volume ultrafiltration techniques for polysaccharide isolation, wet-chemical techniques for dissolved organic matter processing and a range of analytical instrumentation (high pressure liquid chromatography, high resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy). Familiarity with methods to process small organic matter samples for natural abundance radiocarbon measurements as well as a general knowledge of dissolved organic matter cycling in the ocean is also desired.
Required Experience & Education
Ph.D
Additional Job Requirements
Additional Job Requirements
Salary Range: $68,381-$75,498
The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package
WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.
EEO Statement
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Skills Required
- Ph.D.
- Experience with large-volume water sampling from open-ocean oceanographic vessels
- Experience with large-volume ultrafiltration techniques for polysaccharide isolation
- Experience with wet-chemical techniques for dissolved organic matter processing
- Experience with high-performance liquid chromatography
- Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry
- Experience with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- Familiarity with processing small organic matter samples for natural-abundance radiocarbon measurements
- General knowledge of dissolved organic matter cycling in the ocean
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and has not been reviewed or approved by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings are described as generous, including a 403(b) and, for eligible legacy participants, a defined benefit pension. This supports long-term financial security and is viewed as a core strength of the total package.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage is emphasized, with the employer covering a high portion of premiums. Wellness resources and assistance programs complement the core health benefits.
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Parental & Family Support — Family supports include a child care subsidy/dependent care reimbursement program and access to dependent-care spending accounts for eligible employees. Guidance and coverage variations for postdocs and students indicate structured support across appointment types.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Insights
What We Do
As the world's largest private nonprofit ocean research, engineering and education organization, we are dedicated to advancing solutions for our ocean, our planet, and our future.
