Postdoctoral Investigator - AOP&E
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for a full-time, exempt, Postdoctoral Investigator to join the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Program, summarized at oceanobservatories.org. The OOI is an NSF Large Facility with a planned thirty-year life, delivering multi-disciplinary oceanographic data from five instrumented ocean arrays. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits. May include opportunities for optional time at sea; not required. The initial appointment will be for two years with possible extension(s) contingent on performance and funding.
OOI Data Science Initiative Post-Doc
The OOI Program is seeking applications for a post-doc to develop and implement the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse (FAIR) of OOI Data. We are looking for researchers whose interests are in data science and strategies and methodologies for data mining to support wide-ranging research. Successful applicant interests are expected to relate to some/all of the following themes:
- Application and use of Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) for data retrieval and citation.
- Automated Data Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC).
- Data Statistics and Metrics.
- Data Visualization.
- Data Analysis tools such as:
- Computational on the scale of R, Python or Matlab.
- Understanding of data file structures such as netCDF or Zarr.
- Jupyter Notebook and GitHub.
- Author guides and approaches that communicate the above themes.
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 the project.
Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, up to three relevant publications, and names/contact information for at least three professional references. Additionally, applicants should submit 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).
We recognize that strength comes through diversity and actively seek and welcome people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities.
Applications will be reviewed starting 1/17/2023 and until filled.
Essential Functions
Successful applicants will be expected to lead their own research agenda while collaborating with the members of the OOI Consortium. The research agenda can be wide-ranging, and suggested research projects include the following:
- Utilize machine learning or other technical solution to catalog and visualize Hydrophone data across the frequency spectrums. Try to tie various observations in frequency to natural events such as season, storms, or sea temps.
- Combine OOI data with other data sources (e.g. Ocean Networks Canada, NEON) to identify and visualize trends across terrain (e.g. ocean, estuary) in relation to localized events such as storms or seasons.
- Work with instrument and data subject matter experts to develop automated data Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) approaches for instrumentation that does not have a current method in place.
- Work with researchers and subject matter experts to develop a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) architecture that will better enable data retrieval and citation.
- Plan and develop a research topic utilizing OOI data with the end goal of publishing results, including an analysis ready data set.
- Working with OOI leadership, develop an analysis ready data set for flux calculations that utilize a Jupyter notebook. The process should be repeatable and distributable to external researchers.
- Use machine learning or other technology to identify and visualize thin layers of Chlorophyl in glider or profiler data. Once identified, explore interactions with the phytoplankton, zooplankton, and small fish in the physical habitat.
Education & Experience
- Ph.D
- Applicants should be intellectually curious researchers at an early stage of their scholarly career with a desire to apply new technologies and techniques in their research.
- Applicants are required to have a doctorate in a related area by the expected start date of their fellowship.
- Applicants should have demonstrated a capacity for independent work, and will be expected to engage with researchers and ocean engineers and participate in activities convened by the OOI.
Special Requirements
WHOI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect, where you must register your full vaccination status (vaccination plus booster) in order to begin employment. The registration process is confidential and entails submitting your official vaccination records or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.
Physical Requirements
Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift 25 lbs independently, 2 times per day; carry 10-25 lbs, 2 times per day. Visual abilities to include near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions, communicate effectively in loud areas (pier/dock, warehouse). Other physical tasks include occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic /fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, reaching above and below the shoulders, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Will be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical/mechanical/power equipment hazards. Physical duties are subject to change.
Sea Duty
May work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Sleep and work hours can deviate from those on land. May be expected to work on watch schedule (such as 8 hours on and 8 hours off or 12 hours on and 8 hours off) for all or part of a cruise or to work as hours are needed to accomplish the planned work. May need to travel during holidays and for long distances to and from foreign ports. May experience rudimentary living and working conditions, with shared and basic living quarters and laboratories. May experience bad or extreme weather conditions, including heavy seas, winter weather or hot, tropical weather. Work on deck may occur in both hot and cold conditions around the clock. Sea conditions will lead to active ship motion. Should be able to climb steep and vertical ladders and able to enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills. Should be able to carry heavy gear and participate in the loading and unloading of the ship as well as in the activities on deck and in the labs during the cruise. Shipboard environment may include: confined areas, shared sleeping quarters (berths) and bathroom facilities, small and basic berthing, fixed meal times and basic menus. Modest levels of heating, cooling, ventilation, and illumination, limited or no email and internet access and limited off-duty and recreational facilities (library, lounge, movies). May be exposed to potential allergens and irritants, including paint fumes. May experience constant and intermittent loud noises, and slippery and uneven surfaces.
WHOI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans/M/F. We encourage Veterans and those with Disabilities to apply. Applications are reviewed confidentially. Applicants that require accommodation in the job application process are encouraged to contact us at (508) 289-2253 or email eeo@whoi.edu for assistance.