What are the responsibilities and job description for the Undergraduate Research Assistant in Coastal Arctic Ocean Field Observations position at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution?
Job Summary
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking an undergraduate Research Assistant I to contribute to field research in the coastal Arctic Ocean in the lab of Maddie Smith. The undergraduate RA will participate in research (summer-fall 2025) and an Arctic research cruise (fall 2025) for a National Science Foundation (NSF) - funded research project, called “Coastal Freeze”. The rapid decline in landfast ice in the coastal Arctic is increasing the duration of wave exposure and strength of wave energy reaching the coast each year. The overarching aim of the proposed work is to understand the feedback between new landfast ice formation, surface waves, and sediment transport during the highly spatially and temporally heterogeneous freeze-up period each autumn.
Job Description
Prior to the cruise, the student research assistant will analyze historical weather or coastal ice data to characterize conditions during the Arctic fall. During the research cruise, the student will work as part of the research team to collect wave, ocean, and weather data that will help answer a range of research questions. The student will be a part of a small cohort with other undergraduate students hired at partner institutions on the project. The selected student will also have the opportunity to participate in virtual classroom outreach activities during the cruise, educational opportunities, and preparation of research datasets and outputs. Some additional information on the project goals can be found on the project website: https://www2.whoi.edu/staff/madisonmsmith/coastal-freeze/
Due to the unique nature of this project, we will work with the student and their institution to arrange the appropriate terms and timing for summer and fall research, with the expectation that arrangements are made for the student to participate in the research cruise. Cruise dates are October 19 - November 11, 2025 with likely travel dates from October 16 - November 12. The cruise will depart from and return to Nome, AK and Dutch Harbor, AK, respectively. Travel expenses for the research cruise will be covered.
Essential Functions & Duties
The ideal applicant will be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in physical sciences or similar field (e.g., Physics, Math, Earth Science, Marine Science). Relevant coursework in math, physics, and oceanographic science, as well as some prior coding experience is preferred.
Additional Job Requirements
Online applications should include:
Physical duties and requirements may be adapted dependent on applicant’s abilities. Physical duties for this position may include but are not limited to, ability to lift up to 25 lbs independently, 2 times per day; carry 10-25 lbs, 2 times per day. Visual abilities may include near, far, peripheral, and depth perception. Hearing requirements may 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. May be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical, mechanical, and power equipment hazards.
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 mealtimes 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.
Travel
Work to include travel to Alaska for participation in a research cruise aboard a ship.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
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.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking an undergraduate Research Assistant I to contribute to field research in the coastal Arctic Ocean in the lab of Maddie Smith. The undergraduate RA will participate in research (summer-fall 2025) and an Arctic research cruise (fall 2025) for a National Science Foundation (NSF) - funded research project, called “Coastal Freeze”. The rapid decline in landfast ice in the coastal Arctic is increasing the duration of wave exposure and strength of wave energy reaching the coast each year. The overarching aim of the proposed work is to understand the feedback between new landfast ice formation, surface waves, and sediment transport during the highly spatially and temporally heterogeneous freeze-up period each autumn.
Job Description
Prior to the cruise, the student research assistant will analyze historical weather or coastal ice data to characterize conditions during the Arctic fall. During the research cruise, the student will work as part of the research team to collect wave, ocean, and weather data that will help answer a range of research questions. The student will be a part of a small cohort with other undergraduate students hired at partner institutions on the project. The selected student will also have the opportunity to participate in virtual classroom outreach activities during the cruise, educational opportunities, and preparation of research datasets and outputs. Some additional information on the project goals can be found on the project website: https://www2.whoi.edu/staff/madisonmsmith/coastal-freeze/
Due to the unique nature of this project, we will work with the student and their institution to arrange the appropriate terms and timing for summer and fall research, with the expectation that arrangements are made for the student to participate in the research cruise. Cruise dates are October 19 - November 11, 2025 with likely travel dates from October 16 - November 12. The cruise will depart from and return to Nome, AK and Dutch Harbor, AK, respectively. Travel expenses for the research cruise will be covered.
Essential Functions & Duties
- Assists in retrieval and collection of scientific data.
- Processes and analyzes data using established procedures with scientific programming languages (e.g., Python or Matlab)
- Maintains a record of acquired data and research activities;
- Participates in regular scientific team meetings, occasionally including informal presentation of work;
- Contributes to field work activities and plans.
- Research Assistant I
- Bachelor's degree, or associate's degree in related field plus one-year related experience, or High School diploma or equivalent plus three years' related experience.
The ideal applicant will be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in physical sciences or similar field (e.g., Physics, Math, Earth Science, Marine Science). Relevant coursework in math, physics, and oceanographic science, as well as some prior coding experience is preferred.
Additional Job Requirements
Online applications should include:
- with a complete curriculum vitae or resume.
- unofficial transcripts.
- a brief (~ ½ page) statement of research interests and experiences.
Physical duties and requirements may be adapted dependent on applicant’s abilities. Physical duties for this position may include but are not limited to, ability to lift up to 25 lbs independently, 2 times per day; carry 10-25 lbs, 2 times per day. Visual abilities may include near, far, peripheral, and depth perception. Hearing requirements may 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. May be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical, mechanical, and power equipment hazards.
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 mealtimes 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.
Travel
Work to include travel to Alaska for participation in a research cruise aboard a ship.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
- No
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.
