Postdoctoral Investigator – Gaseous Marine Mercury Cycling/Mercury Instrument Development

Job Summary

Job Description

A Postdoctoral Investigator (PDI) position is available in the Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry (MC&G) Department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). This project aims to develop and apply a novel analytical approach for making the first stable isotope measurements of dissolved gaseous mercury species in the upper ocean. These gaseous Hg species play key roles in regulating the production, transformation, and bioavailability of neurotoxic monomethylmercury in marine food webs, yet their sources, transformations, and fate remain poorly constrained. Building on a recent prototype pilot study, the project will advance a portable multi-membrane degasser system capable of extracting mercury gases from large-volume seawater samples with high efficiency for isotopic analysis at sea. By generating new mercury isotopic constraints on these underexplored gaseous components of the marine Hg cycle, the project will help close the marine Hg isotopic budget and advance understanding of mercury transformations that influence seafood contamination and human health.

The successful candidate will lead and contribute to field, laboratory, and mercury isotope studies examining the role of gaseous mercury species in the marine cycling of this toxic pollutant. Responsibilities will include supporting method development and validation, participating in marine field deployments, collecting and processing large-volume seawater samples, conducting high-precision mercury isotope measurements, and interpreting results in the context of marine biogeochemical cycling.

Essential Functions & Duties 

• Instrument development and testing.

• Collecting and analyzing mercury stable isotopes in our Plasma Facility.

• Supervise and mentor students, interns, and research assistants involved in field and laboratory work.

• Prepare and publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research at national and international conferences.

Required Experience & Education 

• PhD in Chemical Oceanography/Earth Sciences/Biogeochemistry or closely related field. 

• Experience in isotope biogeochemistry.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Experience & Education 

• Experience in mercury cycling/mercury stable isotopes

• Experience in gas isotope geochemistry

Additional Job Requirements

Salary Range: $68,381-$75,498

The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit: 1) A cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience; 2) Curriculum vitae; and 3) Contact information for three references.  

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.