Postdoctoral Investigator - Geology & Geophysics

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for a Postdoctoral Investigator to join theGeology & GeophysicsDepartment. This is a regular, full-time exempt position, and is eligiblefor full benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility for a one year extension.

The successful candidate must be an earth scientist interested in studying coastal dynamics and developing total water level and coastal change forecasts for the Great Lakes region. The research is part of a larger effort to provide multi-day forecasts of total water level elevation (i.e., from combined tides/seiches, surge, and wave-induced runup) and its potential coastal change impact along the United States coasts.

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.

Online application forms should be submitted with a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation.Applications will be reviewed upon submission.Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2021. Review begins immediately and will continue until Feburary 15, 2021. A starting date of March 1, 2021 is desirable.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of WHOI and US Geological Survey (USGS) researchers to investigate hydro- and morpho-dynamics in the Great Lakes, where coastal change processes vary on different temporal and spatial scales compared to the coastal ocean. Within this project, the Postdoctoral Investigator will integrate hydrodynamic and wave forecasts from existing operational models with coastal morphologic data to provide estimates of coastal change hazards over time scales of hours to days for the Great Lakes region. The individual should have familiarity with a broad range of geological and oceanographic methods to pursue basic science questions and develop approaches that synthesize existing datasets.

Online application forms should be submitted with a cover letter and full curriculum vitae including a list of three references. Additionally, please email a copy of your cover letter and CV to Dr. Andrew Ashton ( aashton@whoi.edu ) and Dr. Walter Barnhardt ( wbarnhardt@usgs.gov ). Informal inquiries may be made by email to Dr. Ashton ( aashton@whoi.edu ) or Dr. Walter Barnhardt ( wbarnhardt@usgs.gov ).

• PhD (or anticipated within 3 months) in oceanography, geology,computersciences, or a related discipline
• Strong computer and programming skills including MatLab and/or Python
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write high-level scientific reports and publications and meet project milestones
• Works well with a multi-disciplinary group

Strongly desirable:

• Good understanding of the physics of wave dynamics and shoreline evolution
• Experience with numerical model solutions
• Use of geospatial data analysis tools

Fieldwork (including small boat operations) in remote areas may be required.

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift less than 25 lbs. independently and carry 10-25 lbs. Visual abilities to include depth perception and ability to distinguish basic colors. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions. Other physical tasks include occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic/fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Physical duties are subject to change.