Job Summary
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Associate III to study biological processes involved in ocean carbon flux attenuation and transformation using a combination of field- and laboratory-based research approaches. The Research Associate III will serve as a core member of a multidisciplinary research team focused on linking measurements on the microscopic scale with large-scale observations of carbon transport and distribution in the ocean through imaging techniques and numerical simulations. This is a full-time regular position with benefits.Job Description
- Conduct independent and collaborative research on particle dynamics in seawater, including small-scale incubations of particles and small organisms, microbial community analyses, microscopic analyses, and the use of underwater vision profiling and sediment trap sampling
- Lead and contribute to the development of new techniques to study particle dynamics in the ocean
- Analyze complex datasets and interpret results in the context of physical, chemical, and biological oceanographic processes
- Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations for scientific publication and dissemination
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across WHOI and external partners
Required Education
- Ph.D. in Marine Microbiology, Biological Oceanography, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated expertise in studying particles in the ocean, in particular in utilizing techniques to study these processes in situ and at the level of individual particles
- Hands-on experience developing systems for performing small-scale incubations
- Proven experience in molecular biological techniques for microbial community analyses and strong bioinformatic skills
- Proven experience in imaging analyses and in linking in situ imaging analyses to laboratory based characterization of marine particles
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with field deployment
- Ability to work on or near the water, including on small boats and in variable weather conditions
- Strong organizational skills and meticulous record-keeping practices
- Track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications
Preferred Qualifications
- Track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields
- Experience working in field-based oceanographic research settings
- Proven experience in taking a lead role in the preparation of peer-reviewed publications, from study design and analysis through drafting, revision, and submission, and contribute as co-author on collaborative manuscripts
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and workshops
- Maintain organized, well-documented data repositories and ensure reproducibility of analytical workflows
- Lead the planning and logistical preparation of field seasons, including scheduling, permitting, equipment readiness checks, shipping, and coordination with field partners and vessel operators
- Conduct quantitative data analysis across projects
Sea Duty
- Periodic sea duty is required for instrument deployments, maintenance, and field sampling campaigns aboard research vessels and small boats
- Sea duty may range from single-day nearshore operations to multi-day offshore cruises
Travel
- Regular travel throughout the northeastern United States and Bermuda for field campaigns
- Domestic and international travel for conferences and collaborator visits
Additional Job Requirements
Salary Range:
$79,565 - $103,133
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. in Marine Microbiology, Biological Oceanography, or a closely related field
- Expertise studying particles in the ocean using in situ and individual-particle techniques
- Hands-on experience developing systems for small-scale incubations
- Experience with molecular biological techniques for microbial community analyses
- Strong bioinformatic skills
- Experience with imaging analyses and linking in situ imaging to laboratory characterization of marine particles
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Hands-on experience with field deployment
- Ability to work on or near the water, including small boats and variable weather conditions
- Strong organizational skills and meticulous record-keeping practices
- Track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications
- Peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields
- Experience in field-based oceanographic research settings
- Lead-author experience preparing peer-reviewed publications from study design through submission
- Experience presenting research at scientific conferences and workshops
- Experience maintaining organized data repositories and reproducible analytical workflows
- Experience planning and preparing field seasons, including permitting, equipment readiness, shipping, and vessel coordination
- Experience conducting quantitative data analysis across projects
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.
