ECO Magazine
Ocean Career: WHOI Physical Oceanography Postdoctoral Investigator
ECO Magazine, Florida, New York, United States
Ocean Career: WHOI Physical Oceanography Postdoctoral Investigator
15 October 2025 The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Investigator (PDI) in observational physical oceanography under the supervision of Dr. Isabela Le Bras. The study region is the subpolar North Atlantic, a globally significant gateway for carbon dioxide and oxygen into the deep ocean. The project targets a detailed understanding of these ventilation pathways, which are not well-reproduced in climate models. The postdoc would be joining an interdisciplinary group across multiple institutions funded by NSF to analyze an unprecedented six-year moored oxygen time series on the Overturning in the Subpolar North Atlantic Program (OSNAP, o-snap.org) across the Labrador and Irminger Seas. The co-PIs of the project, which is known as Gases in the Overturning and Horizontal circulation of the Subpolar North Atlantic Program (GOHSNAP), are Dr. Jaime Palter (University of Rhode Island), Dr. Hilary Palevsky (Boston College), Dr. Dariia Atamanchuk (Dalhousie University), and Dr. Roo Nicholson (WHOI). We all meet monthly and collaborate closely. The specific goals of GOHSNAP are to (1) probe the coupling between overturning, deep water formation, and ventilation, (2) better quantify the contribution of air‑sea exchange over boundary currents to ventilation and (3) investigate overflow water transformation through the lens of ventilation processes. Job Description
The postdoc will be responsible for analyzing the GOHSNAP data in the context of scientific hypotheses and writing manuscripts from the results. The position is intended to start in Summer 2026 and is for 12‑months, with funding secured for a second year, pending satisfactory progress. While the planned focus area for the postdoc is boundary current ventilation, candidates are encouraged to reach out to Isabela Le Bras to discuss the potential scientific scope of their research project. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in physical oceanography, experience with oceanographic data analysis, and an interest in biogeochemistry. Strong oral and written communication skills are expected. The individual may contribute to field work on one or more of the mooring cruises and will have opportunities to assist with student mentoring. There is no teaching requirement or expectation to write research grants, but those opportunities can be provided as desired. WHOI is situated in the village of Woods Hole, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, approximately 1.5 hours driving south of Boston. WHOI has approximately 1200 full‑time employees and students engaged in oceanographic research and education. WHOI is co‑located in Woods Hole with the University of Chicago Marine Biological Laboratory, NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center, USGS Coastal and Marine Science Center, and Woodwell Climate Research Center, driving a vibrant marine research community. WHOI has a top‑rated postdoctoral program 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 opportunities to participate in educational and outreach activities associated with the project. WHOI is committed to scientific excellence and diversity, and we strongly encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.
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15 October 2025 The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Investigator (PDI) in observational physical oceanography under the supervision of Dr. Isabela Le Bras. The study region is the subpolar North Atlantic, a globally significant gateway for carbon dioxide and oxygen into the deep ocean. The project targets a detailed understanding of these ventilation pathways, which are not well-reproduced in climate models. The postdoc would be joining an interdisciplinary group across multiple institutions funded by NSF to analyze an unprecedented six-year moored oxygen time series on the Overturning in the Subpolar North Atlantic Program (OSNAP, o-snap.org) across the Labrador and Irminger Seas. The co-PIs of the project, which is known as Gases in the Overturning and Horizontal circulation of the Subpolar North Atlantic Program (GOHSNAP), are Dr. Jaime Palter (University of Rhode Island), Dr. Hilary Palevsky (Boston College), Dr. Dariia Atamanchuk (Dalhousie University), and Dr. Roo Nicholson (WHOI). We all meet monthly and collaborate closely. The specific goals of GOHSNAP are to (1) probe the coupling between overturning, deep water formation, and ventilation, (2) better quantify the contribution of air‑sea exchange over boundary currents to ventilation and (3) investigate overflow water transformation through the lens of ventilation processes. Job Description
The postdoc will be responsible for analyzing the GOHSNAP data in the context of scientific hypotheses and writing manuscripts from the results. The position is intended to start in Summer 2026 and is for 12‑months, with funding secured for a second year, pending satisfactory progress. While the planned focus area for the postdoc is boundary current ventilation, candidates are encouraged to reach out to Isabela Le Bras to discuss the potential scientific scope of their research project. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in physical oceanography, experience with oceanographic data analysis, and an interest in biogeochemistry. Strong oral and written communication skills are expected. The individual may contribute to field work on one or more of the mooring cruises and will have opportunities to assist with student mentoring. There is no teaching requirement or expectation to write research grants, but those opportunities can be provided as desired. WHOI is situated in the village of Woods Hole, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, approximately 1.5 hours driving south of Boston. WHOI has approximately 1200 full‑time employees and students engaged in oceanographic research and education. WHOI is co‑located in Woods Hole with the University of Chicago Marine Biological Laboratory, NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center, USGS Coastal and Marine Science Center, and Woodwell Climate Research Center, driving a vibrant marine research community. WHOI has a top‑rated postdoctoral program 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 opportunities to participate in educational and outreach activities associated with the project. WHOI is committed to scientific excellence and diversity, and we strongly encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.
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