Ocean Career: WHOI Plankton Ecology and Trophic Dynamics Postdoc Investigator

Postdoctoral Scientist Position

The PDI will contribute to several ongoing projects examining multi-trophic ecosystem variability in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Responsibilities may include:

• Analysis and synthesis of long-term plankton and oceanographic datasets from observational programs and model outputs;
• Development of statistical and machine-learning approaches (e.g., GAMs, Random Forests, synchrony analyses);
• Investigation of plankton population dynamics and trophic transfer;
• Participation in coupled physical-biological modeling and connectivity analyses;
• Preparation of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations;
• Contributing to proposal development and collaborative research initiatives involving federal agencies, regional research programs, and academic partners.

The position provides opportunities to work with a broad interdisciplinary network of collaborators involved in ecosystem observation and assessment, biological-physical interactions, and ecosystem forecasting across the Northwest Atlantic ecosystem.

Qualifications include:

• A Ph.D. in biological oceanography, marine ecology, oceanography, ecology, environmental science, or a related field;
• Experience working on plankton ecology and pelagic ecosystem dynamics (preferred);
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with preference for experience in coupled physical-biological modeling, statistical analyses, and/or machine-learning approaches;
  Experience working with ecological or oceanographic datasets is preferred;
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB);
• A demonstrated record of peer-reviewed scientific publication; and
• The ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary collaborative environments.

This is a two-year position based in the Biology Department at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, with the expectation that the successful candidate will work on site. Continuation into the second year is contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

Review of applications will begin on July 15, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. The tentative start date is September 1, 2026.

Salary range: $68,381-$75,498

Location:

Woods Hole, MA