Career Center

The Department of Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry (MC&G) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) invites candidates to apply to the open full-time tenure track position(s) on our scientific staff. We seek to hire one or more scientists at the Assistant Scientist level; however, qualified candidates will be considered at Associate Scientist without Tenure, Associate Scientist with Tenure, or Senior Scientist levels.*

As one of the largest and thematically diverse marine chemistry/geochemistry departments in the United States, MC&G scientists conduct research throughout the world’s open ocean, deep sea, coastal and inland environments, develop novel sensors for in-situ measurements, advance state-of-the-art analytical approaches, carry out laboratory-based experimental studies, and develop and apply computer models and remote sensing techniques. The successful candidate(s) will conduct research in any area of marine chemistry and geochemistry that complements, diversifies, and strengthens existing programs on the chemistry of the ocean and its interactions with the Earth as a whole, particularly those areas addressing the ocean’s response to anthropogenic stressors, the development of innovative ocean observing approaches, large-scale ocean chemical cycles, high-temperature geochemistry/petrology, and microbial drivers of ocean chemistry.  This includes both purely fundamental scientific inquiry and applied or solutions-driven research targeting pressing societal issues related specifically or broadly to the ocean. 

WHOI is located on Cape Cod in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, a world-renowned center of excellence in marine, biomedical, and environmental science, with proximity to the research hubs of Boston, MA and Providence, RI. Its mission is to advance our understanding of the ocean and its interaction with the Earth system, and to communicate this understanding for the benefit of society. WHOI is the largest private, non-profit oceanographic institution in the world, with staff and students numbering approximately 1,000. Together with an additional ~500 affiliated personnel associated with the scientific endeavors of the Institution, WHOI is home to a vibrant scientific community that has a strong international component. 

WHOI offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes but is not limited to relocation assistance, medical and dental plans, childcare subsidy, housing assistance, tuition assistance, an employer contribution retirement plan, vacation time, flexible scheduling, and family illness days. The Institution also provides dual career services for assisting the applicant’s spouse or partner should they be impacted by your career decision. We have a dedicated team who will work with applicants to identify and explore available options within WHOI and the broader Woods Hole community, as well as in Boston and Providence. 

*Tenure-track staff are positions equivalent to ladder-rank professorial posts.

Essential Functions

WHOI Scientific Staff members develop externally-funded and internationally recognized research programs. Many also advise graduate students and teach courses in the MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering. Scientific Staff also have access to significant internal funding opportunities, including exciting new directions through WHOI’s Vision 2030 Initiative. These internal funding opportunities ensure that all scientists are fully supported. Newly hired Scientific Staff receive start-up packages as they develop their independent research portfolios. Scientific Staff are encouraged (although not required) to embark on interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial ventures as well as develop collaborations within the Institution, its various Centers, and the Woods Hole community. ? 

Applications from members of underrepresented groups and non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged. The Institution is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to providing leadership, in scholarship or service, toward building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment. 

Education & Experience

Applicants should have a doctoral degree and a record of scholarly contributions (publications and/or other products) commensurate with their career stage with consideration taken for productivity or trajectory-impacting life circumstances. 

Special Requirements

Please visit http://careers.whoi.edu and respond to Job Reference [number]. Applicants need to 1) upload their curriculum vitae to the corresponding section of the application and 2) upload to the "Cover Letter" section of the application a single PDF document containing the following information, in respective order: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three-page research statement, one-page diversity statement, names and contact information of four references, copies of up to three relevant publications or preprints, and optional one-page life-impact statement.  

The research statement should include their research background and plans for building an independent research program at WHOI and should speak to the significance and long-term goals of their research. The diversity statement should discuss or include their past and/or potential contributions to and experience with diversity, equity and inclusion, such as mentoring, committee service, research, outreach, or teaching. The life-impact statement should discuss any significant life circumstance that has impacted their productivity, trajectory, or performance (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, illness, caretaking responsibilities; 1-page). To be fair to all candidates, any statements that exceed page length requirements will be truncated at the specified page limit before review.  

Application deadline: December 31, 2023.  

WHOI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. WHOI believes diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components that support our academic excellence. We strive for a diverse and inclusive workforce, and encourage women, minorities, veterans and those with disabilities to apply. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.? We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.  

Physical Requirements

Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process. 

We welcome all interested parties to apply! 

 
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.

About Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world’s leading independent organization dedicated specifically to ocean exploration, research, education, and awareness. For more than 90 years, we’ve been at the forefront of groundbreaking science and technology development, unlocking the mysteries of the ocean and its connections to human lives and livelihoods. Today, our researchers are leading more than 800 concurrent projects around the globe, tackling some of the most challenging and important problems of our time, from climate change to plastic waste to sustainable food and energy production. This is an exceptionally exciting time for ocean research.

Connections working at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution