What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Investigator in Coastal Wetland Cold Season Dynamics position at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution?
Job Summary
The Coastal Groundwater Hydrology Team (juliaguimond.com) in the Department of Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is inviting applications for a postdoctoral researcher position on an NSF-funded Collaborative Research project. The project focuses on cold season freeze-thaw processes, groundwater flow, and carbon dynamics in New England salt marshes, to (1) understand the hydrologic functioning of marshes during winter and (2) quantify the magnitude and mechanisms through which porewater, groundwater and carbon are exported from salt marshes to the tidal channel during the cold season. This work is in collaboration with Dr. Meagan Eagle at the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Center and Dr. Joseph Tamborski at Old Dominion University. We seek a postdoctoral investigator to join this interdisciplinary research team for an 18-month period with a focus on fundamental research related to cold season coastal wetland hydrology, freeze-thaw dynamics, and lateral carbon export. A wealth of observational data has already been collected with an additional field season in 2025-2026. Due to the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the project, the specific area of interest of the postdoctoral investigator may include geophysics, hydro(geo)logy, and hydro-biogeochemistry - all helping to achieve our goal of better understanding coastal wetland hydrological, thermal, and biogeochemical processes occurring in North Atlantic salt marshes in the winter for improved annual estimates of water and carbon outwelling to the coastal ocean.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 mentoring and outreach activities associated with our project.
I ideal position start date is late spring or early summer.
Job Description
Essential Functions & Duties
Conduct field work at multiple New England salt marsh sites, primarily during cold periods (November through April) with additional summer sampling campaigns.
Analyze and interpret hydrological, temperature, geophysical and/ biogeochemical field data.
Assist with field planning and execution.
Lead preparation of manuscripts.
Present work at national and international conferences.
Required Experience & Education
Education: PhD in earth science, civil and/or environmental engineering, geoscience, physical oceanography, or related field.
Previous Experience Desired: Collecting coastal and/or cold region field observations including hydrological, geophysical, and/or biogeochemical data. Experience processing, analyzing, and organizing large sets of timeseries data.
Preferred Experience & Education
Conducting numerical modeling of groundwater dynamics, freeze-thaw processes, and/or coupled surface/subsurface flow.
Experience interpreting groundwater and surface water biogeochemical data and or geophysical data.
Additional Job Description:
Physical Requirements: Given the significant field component of this project, applicants should be able and willing to participate in field campaigns which include lifting heavy instrumentation and being outside for long periods of time. Specifically, physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift 25 lbs independently; carry 10-25 lbs for up to a mile; stand or walk for prolonged periods; use of hands for basic/fine grasping and manipulation. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others.
Travel: Local travel to various salt marsh sites is required.
Additional Job Requirements
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.
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.
