Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Research Associate III (RA III) to join the Department of Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.

The research of this position will center on carbonate chemistry and inorganic carbon biogeochemistry across multiple coastal ecosystems, and job tasks will include field data collection, sample analysis and biogeochemical modelling. The new hire will investigate lateral exports of carbon and alkalinity from coastal salt marshes, effects of salt marsh restoration on coastal biogeochemistry, and the carbonate system on continental shelves. He/she will also deploy and maintain carbon and other in situ sensors in coastal systems and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.

Job Description

Essential Functions & Duties

The Research Associate III will start conducting research in three on-going projects in collaboration with a group of scientists from several institutions. The goal of the first project is to quantify lateral exports of carbon and alkalinity via tidal exchange from two salt marsh sites in North Carolina (NC). The new hire will participate in field sampling of lateral fluxes from the two NC marsh sites, be responsible for sample analyses, and conduct data synthesis and modeling to derive lateral fluxes on the timescale ranging from individual tidal cycles to annual scale. The goal of the second project is to investigate environmental impacts of salt marsh restoration at a marsh site in Massachusetts. The candidate will be responsible for collecting sediment porewater and tidal creek environmental data from bottle samples and autonomous sensor measurements, and developing models to project environmental effects of marsh restoration. The third project is to investigate CO2 system dynamics in the two contrasting shelf systems using existing observational data collected from the NSF Ocean Observatory Initiatives. The new hire will lead the effort of data synthesis and model development to achieve the research goal and publish results.

Required Experience & Education

PhD in Chemical Oceanography, Marine Chemistry or similar fields is required. The position requires at least 3-4 years of working and research experience in:

• Seawater carbonate chemistry and related sample analyses.
• Water and sediment sampling of carbonate chemistry and other environmental parameters in estuaries and coastal wetlands.
• Writing computer codes using R, MATLAB, or similar coding software to analyze data sets and implement models to project carbonate chemistry in shelf waters.
• Publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings in professional conferences and/or workshops.

This position requires working in coastal wetlands and other near-shore systems over extended period, and moving large equipment up to 75 lbs at time. Travel for field work and conferences are also required.

Preferred Experience & Education

Research experiences in coastal carbon cycling, coastal hydrology and wetland biogeochemistry are preferred.

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.