Description

Applications are being accepted for a full-time Postdoctoral Scientist to work with the Oceanic Flux Program (OFP) time series of particle flux in the deep Sargasso Sea. The position requires at a minimum a PhD in Oceanography, Marine Biology, Computer Science and Machine Learning for Image Processing, or a related field and expertise in the application of microscopy analysis and/or other molecular and elemental chemical analytical measurements, to study biogeochemical cycling using machine learning tools. Expertise in microscopy image analysis via machine learning techniques will be highly valued. A strong interest in seagoing observational research is required.

The successful applicant will have multidisciplinary interests and career goals that are compatible with the collaborative, interdisciplinary, and community-oriented research focus of the OFP time-series. The postdoc will conduct independent image analysis and biogeochemical research on particle flux processes (specific topic to be determined by the applicant's field of expertise) under the direction of Dr. Rut Pedrosa Pamies, head of the OFP time-series, Dr. Scott Gallager (Coastal Ocean Vision), and other OFP collaborators, with opportunities for research collaborations with scientists at Stanford University and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and/or others involved in Bermuda-based research. The postdoc will utilize the OFP’s 20+ years quantitative image archive to develop methodologies to extract the novel information on ecosystem dynamics and biological responses to environmental forcing that drive flux generation and recycling within the deep water column. In addition to research, the postdoc will be actively involved in all aspects of OFP time-series operations- from mooring and seagoing activities to imaging and trace level and molecular analyses of flux materials- and also participate in developing new research/educational collaborations to leverage OFP resources, thereby gaining diverse operational and project management skills. The postdoc will also participate in mentoring and supervising students.

The position is based at the Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA, a vibrant scientific community with state-of-the-art analytical resources as well as myriad professional development activities sponsored by the Woods Hole institutions.

This is a 30 month appointment.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Oceanography, Marine Biology, Computer Science and Machine Learning for Image Processing, or a related field and expertise in the application of microscopy analysis and/or other molecular and elemental chemical analytical measurements, to study biogeochemical cycling using machine learning tools.

Application Documents

Please upload as a single PDF the following documents:

• A personal statement describing research experience and interests and particular skills you would bring to the OFP

• A 1-3 page summary of your PhD and postdoctoral research (if applicable)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Name and contact information for 3 references. Please do not need send letters; we will contact those on your list.

About MBL

The Marine Biological Laboratory (http://www.mbl.edu/) (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery and improving the human condition through research and education in biology, biomedicine, and environmental science. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution and an affiliate of the University of Chicago.

MBL is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where diverse experiences and perspectives combine to better the advancement of scientific inquiry and discovery.

MBL offers a generous benefits package including:

• Medical and Dental Insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

• Voluntary Vision Insurance through VSP.

• Basic Life/AD&D Insurance; Voluntary Life/AD&D Insurance; Short-Term Disability Insurance; and Long-Term Disability Insurance.

• Vacation Time: Employees accrued based on years of service, beginning with 12 days/year.

• Sick Time: Employees accrue 13 sick days/year. Accrued paid time off is pro-rated based on scheduled hours.

• Holidays: 10 paid holidays per year plus 2 floating holidays.

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Employees may make pre-tax contributions up to the yearly IRS limit for health care expenses and for dependent care expenses. The plan is administered by Discovery Benefits/WEX.

• Tax Deferred Annuity Plan: Employees may make pre-tax or after-tax contributions to a TIAA account up to the IRS limit. MBL Retirement Plan: The MBL contributes 10% of salary to the Retirement Plan to a TIAA account. Eligibility is two years of service, however service at other government or non-profit institutions may count toward this requirement. Contributions are immediately fully vested.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The MBL offers an EAP which provides free and confidential counseling to employees and family members. The program is administered by New Directions Behavioral Health.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)