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Postdoctoral Investigator - Air-Sea Interaction & Fluxes (Global & Arctic Oceans)
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA, USA
Posted on Sep 27, 2025
Job Summary
Postdoctoral Investigator – Air-Sea Interaction & Fluxes (Global & Arctic Oceans)Job Description
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Investigator (PDI) in Air–Sea Interaction & Fluxes (Global & Arctic Oceans). Leveraging an existing long-term flux record, the PDI will tackle a core physical problem in Earth system science: how turbulent exchanges of heat, moisture, and momentum across the air–sea interface influence weather and the Earth system, yet remain insufficiently constrained to reliably close regional and global energy budgets, particularly in high-latitude, storm-dominated, and ice-affected regimes. The role centers on improving air–sea turbulent heat and momentum fluxes over the global and Arctic oceans by integrating multi-sensor satellite observations with well-established physical principles and modern statistical methods. The PDI will improve and validate the flux record using in situ observations from buoys and autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs); evaluate performance against leading atmospheric reanalyses and ocean state estimates; and quantify the global ocean surface energy budget, including its spatial and temporal imbalances and uncertainties, while maintaining and extending an uncertainty-aware, long-term record for Earth-system applications. The PDI is encouraged to draw on this record to investigate fundamental air–sea interaction processes, including boundary-layer stability regimes, sea-ice-edge fluxes, storm-driven variability, and long-term changes in air–sea forcing and associated feedbacks from mesoscale to basin scales.
Additional Job Requirements
The ideal candidate has experience with satellite remote sensing, atmospheric reanalyses, and ocean state estimates, plus strong quantitative skills. Hands-on machine learning experience is advantageous but not mandatory. A solid understanding of marine boundary layer physics is desirable. An open-science mindset, including sharing data and code and building reproducible workflows, is strongly valued. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality scientific reports and publications and to meet project milestones, are required, preferably demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations. The appointment is for 18 months; renewal is contingent on satisfactory progress and continued funding. This is a full-time position with full benefits (https://www.whoi.edu/website/HR/benefits).
WHOI has a top-rated postdoctoral program (www.whoi.edu/postdoctoral/) 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.
Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, up to three relevant publications, and names/contact information for at least three professional references.
Position is available immediately. Preference will be given to applications received by October 31, 2025 but applicants will be considered until the position is filled.
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.