Postdoctoral Investigator in Plankton Ecology and Trophic Dynamics

Job Summary

A Postdoctoral Investigator (PDI) position is available in the Biology Department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) to study environmental impacts on plankton food webs and trophic dynamics in the Northwest Atlantic ocean ecosystem. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research program focused on understanding how physical oceanographic variability influences plankton communities and the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels, including forage fish, marine mammals, and endangered North Atlantic right whales. The projects integrate long-term observations, ocean observing systems, statistical analyses, and ecosystem modeling to improve understanding and prediction of ecosystem variability across seasonal to decadal time scales.

Job Description

Responsibilities

The PDI will contribute to several ongoing projects examining multi-trophic ecosystem variability in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Responsibilities may include:

• Analysis and synthesis of long-term plankton and oceanographic datasets from observational programs and model outputs;
• Development of statistical and machine-learning approaches (e.g., GAMs, Random Forests, synchrony analyses);
• Investigation of plankton population dynamics and trophic transfer;
• Participation in coupled physical-biological modeling and connectivity analyses;
• Preparation of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations;
• Contributing to proposal development and collaborative research initiatives involving federal agencies, regional research programs, and academic partners.

The position provides opportunities to work with a broad interdisciplinary network of collaborators involved in ecosystem observation and assessment, biological-physical interactions, and ecosystem forecasting across the Northwest Atlantic ecosystem.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A Ph.D. in biological oceanography, marine ecology, oceanography, ecology, environmental science, or a related field;
• Experience working on plankton ecology and pelagic ecosystem dynamics (preferred);
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with preference for experience in coupled physical-biological modeling, statistical analyses, and/or machine-learning approaches; Experience working with ecological or oceanographic datasets is preferred;
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB);
• A demonstrated record of peer-reviewed scientific publication; and
• The ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary collaborative environments.

Appointment

This is a two-year position based in the Biology Department at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, with the expectation that the successful candidate will work on site. Continuation into the second year is contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

Review of applications will begin on July 15, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. The tentative start date is September 1, 2026.

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.

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Rubao Ji (rji@whoi.edu) for additional information. Applications should be submitted through the WHOI Careers website: https://careers.whoi.edu.

Additional Job Requirements

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. 

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.