Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is searching for a Postdoctoral Investigator to join the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department. This is a temporary, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.
The appointment will have an end date of Dec 31, 2024 with a start date about 1 September 2023.
The postdoctoral investigator will focus on fundamental research related to nearshore processes, including but not limited to using machine learning techniques to investigate interactions between surf and swash zone hydrodynamics and sediment transport, morphology and geotechnical properties, vegetation and ecology, hydrogeology, and/or the built environment. The investigators will have significant scientific flexibility to pursue their research ideas within these topic areas.
Preference will be given to applicants whose fundamental science is relevant to use-inspired outcomes that enhance resilience of global coasts and coastal communities, consistent with WHOI’s Vision 2030. Examples include using observations, machine learning, and numerical models to investigate the effects of waves, tides, and groundwater on shallow-water and swash-zone processes, including coastal flooding. Investigations may benefit from collaboration with WHOI’s world class engineers and technicians. Research activities may engage federal, state, and local agencies and stakeholder communities, or lead to informing policy or addressing national security issues.
Requirements include a PhD in physical oceanography, civil and environmental engineering, or related field. Knowledge of nearshore fluid mechanics, sediment transport, and morphological evolution, and expertise with field measurements, machine learning, and/or numerical modeling of nearshore processes are preferred.
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 their project.
Application is via online forms (https://careers.whoi.edu/how-to-apply/) that include specific fields for information, as well as for uploading of a research statement*; a complete curriculum vitae; up to three relevant publications; and a cover letter that contains the contact information of at least three references.
*Research statements should consist of the following: a concise statement (no longer than four pages) that addresses (1) research interests to be pursued at WHOI, (2) anticipated career plans, with an explanation of how postdoctoral research at WHOI would complement an applicant’s existing experience and preparation, and (3) interests in, experience with, and/or planned commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, teaching, and/or service in their career and (4; optional) life-impact statement that describes any significant life circumstance that has impacted productivity, trajectory, or performance (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, illness, caretaking responsibilities; 1-page).
The preferred start date for this position is about 1 September 2023. This posting will remain open for 2 weeks.
To advance the goals of long-term broadening of participation in ocean science and engineering, we are particularly interested in attracting applicants from groups historically underrepresented in oceanography. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to WHOI’s academic excellence and leadership in the global scientific community. WHOI stands committed to a sustained effort to advance inclusion and belonging throughout all levels of the Institution.
Essential Functions
- Data collection, machine learning, and/or numerical modeling
- Data analysis
- Presenting research results
- Writing manuscripts
Education & Experience
- Education: PhD
- Previous Experience Desired: Collecting nearshore field observations, using machine learning techniques to investigate nearshore processes, or conducting numerical modeling.
