Postdoctoral Scientist In Mcdr Modeling

Position Overview

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences seeks a Postdoctoral Scientist for a three-year position beginning as soon as possible, to model the vertical transport of carbon by marine zooplankton. This position is part of an ARPA-E funded project focused on monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of ocean fertilization marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) strategies. The successful candidate will construct a trait-based model of carbon transport by vertically migrating zooplankton. To do so, this person will analyze extensive optical datasets to determine key parameterizations for the model, alongside co-PIs at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science (BIOS) who have collected and curated the datasets. This model will then be used for sensitivity analyses to optimize implementation of vertical migration and associated carbon transport in a separate coupled regional-biogeochemical ocean model, which will be constructed and implemented by co-PIs at UCLA.
This project will be collaborative, fast-paced, and exciting, with strong tech2market and carbon accounting components. The successful candidate will focus on the stand-alone zooplankton vertical migration model, but will be an integral part of an interdisciplinary team, and will gain exposure to the fast-breaking field of mCDR MRV and carbon accounting. Remote and in-person candidates will be considered.

The preferred start date for this position is February 2024, though this can be flexible. It is funded for a three-year term, contingent on satisfactory annual performance reviews. The salary range for this position is $60,000-65,000 per year, based on experience, with a generous benefits package including health care, retirement contribution, and paid time off. Some supervision of research undergraduates may be required.

Requirements

• PhD in oceanography or related field
• Experience with numerical modeling
• Experience in writing and using code in different coding languages
• Experience with data analysis of large datasets
• Experience in scientific manuscript preparation and publication
• Enthusiasm for working both independently and as part of a team
• Comfort with a fast-paced project and intermediate project deadlines throughout
• Experience with optical image datasets a plus, but not required

Apply
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and three professional references using our online application portal. Screening of candidates will begin January 22, 2024, and the search will continue until the position is filled. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly.
Individuals seeking more information about this position or needing to request an accommodation, please contact careers@bigelow.org or (207) 315-2567, ext. 107.

Why choose Bigelow Laboratory for postdoctoral research?

In brief, Bigelow Laboratory offers one of the best career growth opportunities for early career scientists interested in bold science for our blue planet. Postdocs at Bigelow Laboratory are an integral part of our research and educational programs.

Cutting edge, multidisciplinary science

Bigelow Laboratory scientists and our Discovery Centers use innovative approaches to study the foundation of global ocean health and unlock its potential to improve the future of all life on our planet. Creative, cutting-edge science is our hallmark, fusing the best of scientific inquiry and entrepreneurial ingenuity. Our scientists are highly productive, frequently publishing high-impact scientific papers. Postdocs at Bigelow are encouraged to collaborate across groups, facilitated by our open lab building layout and broad pool of technical expertise in our scientific staff.

Funding opportunities

In addition to funding support on research grants, postdocs at Bigelow are eligible to apply for internal funding to support research. For example, Bigelow sponsors a Postdoctoral Fellowship that funds a 10-week independent project with an undergraduate student intern as well as possibilities for postdocs to apply as co-investigators for internal seed funding for new ideas. Postdocs are also eligible to be co-investigators on proposals to major funding agencies. Funding is also available to support postdocs to teach in our educational programs. Bigelow Laboratory also welcomes Postdoctoral Fellows who receive external funding, such as from the National Science Foundation's postdoctoral fellows programs, NASA's Postdoctoral Program Fellows, and various foundation-supported fellowships.

Teaching and mentoring opportunities

Postdocs at Bigelow Laboratory are integral parts of our diverse educational programs. Postdocs have the funded opportunity to co-teach sections of our fall Sea Change Semester for undergraduate students, and postdocs can also be the primary mentor for undergraduate interns during our summer intern program. Postdocs are also eligible to apply for professional development funds to support skill building related to teaching. As adjunct research faculty with Colby College - one of Bigelow Laboratory's major educational program partners - postdocs can also participate in educator and course development opportunities through Colby College.

Dedicated professional development training and opportunities

Bigelow Laboratory strongly believes in supporting the growth and development of our postdocs. To this end, we offer a monthly training series - taught by our scientists and other professionals - that covers diverse professional development topics such as grant writing, applying for jobs, mentoring, research ethics, course development, conflict resolution, project management, and more. Postdocs at Bigelow also get the opportunity to serve on our various governance committees of the institution, helping to shape the policies of the organization and getting real-life experience relevant to future career stages. This kind of professional development opportunity is highly unique to Bigelow, and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. Postdocs at Bigelow are also eligible to apply for promotion to a Research Scientist position as they begin to take on more intellectual leadership of projects.

Quality of Life

Bigelow Laboratory believes that the greatest asset of our independent research institute is our people. Thus, we aim for everyone to be able to thrive. Our postdoc positions are well paid for the cost of living of the area, and employment includes generous employee benefits like health care, retirement plans, and paid leave. Our state-of-the-art oceanfront campus in East Boothbay is located in scenic Midcoast Maine, perfectly situated to provide access to the very best Maine has to offer. Within a reasonable commuting distance of most major Maine cities, this mid-coast peninsula offers the perfect balance between small town coastal charm and urban accessibility. Bigelow Laboratory is an inclusive community of scientists from around the world that welcomes and supports diverse opinions and cultures. We strive to maintain an environment that allows our employees to flourish through respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of others. We believe there is power in embracing the full diversity of humanity to advance science and are committed to supporting each other as individuals worthy of respect.

Competitive job placement success

Postdocs from Bigelow Laboratory have a high placement rate (over 90%) in the competitive academic job market, leveraging the broad portfolio of experience and cutting-edge research they are able to do. In the past decade, most of our recent postdocs have secured tenure-track academic positions at research intensive universities as well as education-focused liberal arts institutions, with some also going into federal or commercial research.

Working at Bigelow Laboratory

Bigelow Laboratory is an inclusive community of scientists from around the world that welcomes and supports diverse opinions and cultures. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences strives to maintain an environment that allows our employees to flourish through respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of others. We believe there is power in embracing the full diversity of humanity to advance science and are committed to supporting each other as individuals worthy of respect.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.

About Midcoast Maine

Bigelow Laboratory's state-of-the-art oceanfront campus in East Boothbay is located in scenic Midcoast Maine, perfectly situated to provide access to the very best Maine has to offer. Within a reasonable commuting distance of most major Maine cities, this mid-coast peninsula offers the perfect balance between small town coastal charm and urban accessibility. Our peninsula is home to fishermen and sea captains, marine biologists, nature lovers, botanists and gardeners, artists, merchants, and entrepreneurs. Many non-profit organizations call this region home and work hard to further their missions in support of the arts, seamanship and marine education, conservation, historic preservation, and more.