Tenure Track Scientist in Observational Physical Oceanography

Job Summary

The Physical Oceanography Department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) invites candidates to apply to the open full-time tenure track position(s) on our scientific staff*. We seek to hire at the Assistant Scientist level, but exceptional candidates at more senior levels may be considered.

We seek applicants with expertise in the broad area of observational physical oceanography. Innovative scientists working with seagoing, autonomous, and/or remote sensing approaches are encouraged to apply. We seek candidates that would complement the existing strengths in the PO department. Research areas of interest include (but are not limited to) blue water, coastal, high-latitude, mixing and turbulence, or the intersection of ocean physics-biogeochemistry-ecosystem processes. Candidates with expertise or desires to develop new observing technologies are welcome, as are candidates with innovative plans to use existing technologies. While the current recruitment focus is on observational physical oceanography, exceptional candidates in other areas of physical oceanography will also be considered.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative group of scientists who address a wide range of fundamental problems in ocean and climate science. World-class technical support facilitates the use of a broad mix of traditional and innovative instruments and observational techniques and high-performance computing to study all ocean and climate-relevant temporal and spatial scales, and in all ocean domains including open-ocean, coastal, and under sea-ice regions. We encourage candidates to become familiar with WHOI’s recently completed “Vision2030” and the strategic themes.

WHOI is located on Cape Cod in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, a world-renowned center of excellence in marine, biomedical, and environmental science, with proximity to the research hubs of Boston, MA and Providence, RI. Its mission is to advance our understanding of the ocean and its interaction with the Earth system, and to communicate this understanding for the benefit of society. WHOI is the largest private, non-profit oceanographic institution in the world, with staff and students numbering approximately 1,000. Together with an additional ~500 affiliated personnel associated with the scientific endeavors of the Institution, WHOI is home to a vibrant scientific community that has a strong international component.

WHOI offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes but is not limited to relocation assistance, medical and dental plans, childcare subsidy, housing assistance, tuition assistance, an employer contribution retirement plan, vacation time, flexible scheduling, and family illness days. The Institution also provides dual career services for assisting the applicant’s spouse or partner should they be impacted by your career decision. We have a dedicated team who will work with applicants to identify and explore available options within WHOI and the broader Woods Hole community, as well as in Boston and Providence.
Please contact Mike Spall (mspall@whoi.edu) for any inquiry regarding this position.

*Tenure-track staff are positions equivalent to ladder-rank professorial posts and tenure-track group leader positions.

Job Description

Essential Functions & Duties

WHOI Physical Oceanography Scientific Staff members develop externally-funded and internationally recognized research programs. Many also advise graduate students and teach courses in the MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering. Scientific Staff also have access to significant internal funding opportunities, including exciting new directions through WHOI’s Vision 2030 Initiative and strategic themes. These internal funding opportunities ensure that all scientists are fully supported. Newly hired Scientific Staff receive start-up packages as they develop their independent research portfolios. Scientific Staff are encouraged (although not required) to embark on interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial ventures as well as develop collaborations within the Institution, its various Centers, and the Woods Hole community.

Applications from members of underrepresented groups and non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged. The Institution is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to providing leadership, in scholarship or service, toward building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.

Required Experience & Education

Applicants should have a doctoral degree and a record of scholarly contributions (publications and/or other products) commensurate with their career stage with consideration taken for productivity or trajectory-impacting life circumstances.

Additional Job Requirements

Special Requirements

Please visit http://careers.whoi.edu. Applicants need to 1) upload their curriculum vitae to the corresponding section of the application and 2) upload to the “Cover Letter” section of the application a single PDF document containing the following information, in respective order: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three-page research statement, one-page diversity statement, names and contact information of four references, copies of up to three relevant publications or preprints, and optional one-page life-impact statement.  If the file size exceeds 5MB please email the documents to careers@whoi.edu.

The research statement should include their research background and plans for building an independent research program at WHOI and should speak to the significance and long-term goals of their research. The diversity statement should discuss or include their past and/or potential contributions to and experience with diversity, equity and inclusion, such as mentoring, committee service, research, outreach, or teaching. The life-impact statement should discuss any significant life circumstance that has impacted their productivity, trajectory, or performance (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, illness, caretaking responsibilities; 1-page). To be fair to all candidates, any statements that exceed page length requirements will be truncated at the specified page limit before review.

Application deadline: December 6, 2024.

WHOI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. WHOI believes diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components that support our academic excellence. We strive for a diverse and inclusive workforce, and encourage women, minorities, veterans and those with disabilities to apply. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Physical requirements

Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.  We welcome all interested parties to apply!

Affirmative Action/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.