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Ocean Career: WHOI Research Associate

The Research Associate III at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) will serve as a core member of a multidisciplinary research team focused on ocean sensing, marine ecology, and conservation technology. Day-to-day operations span three interconnected areas: maintaining and expanding a network of real-time whale detection systems across the northeastern United States; planning and executing field campaigns to measure dissolved dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in marine environments; and supporting the full lifecycle of biologging instrument development, from bench prototyping through animal-borne deployment and data recovery. The role is field-intensive, with regular travel to coastal and offshore sites, and requires close coordination with collaborators, vessel operators, and regulatory stakeholders.

Job Description

Lab Management, Field Preparation, Data Analysis & Publications

  • Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, supply procurement, safety compliance, and supervision of junior staff, students, and visiting researchers
  • Lead the planning and logistical preparation of field seasons, including scheduling, permitting, equipment readiness checks, shipping, and coordination with field partners and vessel operators
  • Conduct quantitative data analysis across projects using scripting languages (Python), including statistical modeling, signal processing, and geospatial analysis as appropriate
  • Take a lead role in the preparation of peer-reviewed publications, from study design and analysis through drafting, revision, and submission, and contribute as co-author on collaborative manuscripts
  • Present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings
  • Maintain organized, well-documented data repositories and ensure reproducibility of analytical workflows

Whale Detection Systems

  • Lead installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance of real-time whale detection systems at sites across the northeastern U.S., including offshore platforms, buoys, and coastal infrastructure
  • Coordinate with port authorities, vessel operators, offshore energy developers, and regulatory agencies to facilitate deployments and data-sharing agreements
  • Troubleshoot field hardware and software issues, including acoustic sensors, embedded computing systems, satellite and cellular communications, and power systems
  • Maintain detailed deployment logs, service records, and system performance metrics
  • Contribute to detection algorithm validation and data quality assurance

Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) Field Measurements

  • Plan and execute field campaigns to measure dissolved and atmospheric DMS concentrations in reef and open-ocean environments
  • Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation for trace-gas measurement
  • Collect, process, and archive water samples and environmental metadata following established protocols
  • Collaborate with co-investigators on experimental design and lead data analysis and manuscript preparation

Biologger Development, Testing & Deployment

  • Lead the design and fabrication of biologging tags for marine wildlife, including electronics assembly, sensor integration, encapsulation, and bench testing
  • Conduct laboratory and field trials of prototype biologgers, documenting performance under realistic operating conditions
  • Support animal-borne sensor deployments, including equipment preparation, fieldwork logistics, and tag recovery operations
  • Perform data offloading, processing, and archival from recovered biologgers
  • Maintain organized inventory of parts, tools, and field equipment

Required Experience & Education

  • PhD degree in mechanical engineering, marine science, electrical engineering, environmental science, or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with field deployment and maintenance of oceanographic or environmental monitoring instrumentation
  • Proficiency with electronics prototyping, soldering, and basic mechanical fabrication
  • Strong working knowledge of embedded systems (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32) and data acquisition hardware
  • Experience with at least one programming or scripting language (Python, or C/C++) for data processing and instrument control
  • Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regionally and internationally.
  • Ability to work on or near the water, including on small boats and in variable weather conditions
  • Strong organizational skills and meticulous record-keeping practices
  • Track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications

Preferred Experience & Education

  • Experience with thermal imaging for cetacean detection
  • Familiarity with trace-gas analytical techniques
  • Prior experience with biologging or bio-telemetry technology for marine animals
  • Working knowledge of IoT communication protocols (LoRa, satellite, cellular) for remote sensing applications
  • Experience with AIS data, vessel tracking systems, and maritime regulatory frameworks
  • Scientific diving certification or willingness to obtain
  • Boating safety certifications or significant small-vessel experience

Salary range: $79,565-$103,133

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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