Research Associate III

Job Summary

The Research Associate III will serve as a core member of a multidisciplinary research team focused on ocean sensing, marine ecology, and conservation technology. Day-to-day operations span three interconnected areas: maintaining and expanding a network of real-time whale detection systems across the northeastern United States; planning and executing field campaigns to measure dissolved dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in marine environments; and supporting the full lifecycle of biologging instrument development, from bench prototyping through animal-borne deployment and data recovery. The role is field-intensive, with regular travel to coastal and offshore sites, and requires close coordination with collaborators, vessel operators, and regulatory stakeholders.

Job Description

Lab Management, Field Preparation, Data Analysis & Publications

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, supply procurement, safety compliance, and supervision of junior staff, students, and visiting researchers
• Lead the planning and logistical preparation of field seasons, including scheduling, permitting, equipment readiness checks, shipping, and coordination with field partners and vessel operators
• Conduct quantitative data analysis across projects using scripting languages (Python), including statistical modeling, signal processing, and geospatial analysis as appropriate
• Take a lead role in the preparation of peer-reviewed publications, from study design and analysis through drafting, revision, and submission, and contribute as co-author on collaborative manuscripts
• Present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings
• Maintain organized, well-documented data repositories and ensure reproducibility of analytical workflows

Whale Detection Systems

• Lead installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance of real-time whale detection systems at sites across the northeastern U.S., including offshore platforms, buoys, and coastal infrastructure
• Coordinate with port authorities, vessel operators, offshore energy developers, and regulatory agencies to facilitate deployments and data-sharing agreements
• Troubleshoot field hardware and software issues, including acoustic sensors, embedded computing systems, satellite and cellular communications, and power systems
• Maintain detailed deployment logs, service records, and system performance metrics
• Contribute to detection algorithm validation and data quality assurance

Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) Field Measurements

• Plan and execute field campaigns to measure dissolved and atmospheric DMS concentrations in reef and open-ocean environments
• Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation for trace-gas measurement
• Collect, process, and archive water samples and environmental metadata following established protocols
• Collaborate with co-investigators on experimental design and lead data analysis and manuscript preparation

Biologger Development, Testing & Deployment

• Lead the design and fabrication of biologging tags for marine wildlife, including electronics assembly, sensor integration, encapsulation, and bench testing
• Conduct laboratory and field trials of prototype biologgers, documenting performance under realistic operating conditions
• Support animal-borne sensor deployments, including equipment preparation, fieldwork logistics, and tag recovery operations
• Perform data offloading, processing, and archival from recovered biologgers
• Maintain organized inventory of parts, tools, and field equipment

Additional Job Requirements

Required Experience & Education

• PhD degree in mechanical engineering, marine science, electrical engineering, environmental science, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with field deployment and maintenance of oceanographic or environmental monitoring instrumentation
• Proficiency with electronics prototyping, soldering, and basic mechanical fabrication
• Strong working knowledge of embedded systems (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32) and data acquisition hardware
• Experience with at least one programming or scripting language (Python, or C/C++) for data processing and instrument control
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regionally and internationally.
• Ability to work on or near the water, including on small boats and in variable weather conditions
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous record-keeping practices
• Track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications

Preferred Experience & Education

• Experience with thermal imaging for cetacean detection
• Familiarity with trace-gas analytical techniques
• Prior experience with biologging or bio-telemetry technology for marine animals
• Working knowledge of IoT communication protocols (LoRa, satellite, cellular) for remote sensing applications
• Experience with AIS data, vessel tracking systems, and maritime regulatory frameworks
• Scientific diving certification or willingness to obtain
• Boating safety certifications or significant small-vessel experience

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis; occasional lifting up to 50 lbs may be required during field deployments
• Work is moderately sedentary when in the office/lab, with extended periods of physical activity during field campaigns, including standing, bending, kneeling, and working at heights or on moving platforms
• Must be comfortable working in outdoor marine environments, including exposure to sun, wind, cold, rain, and sea spray
• Ability to board and work safely on small research vessels and offshore structures

Sea Duty

• Periodic sea duty is required for instrument deployments, maintenance, and field sampling campaigns aboard research vessels and small boats
• Sea duty may range from single-day nearshore operations to multi-day offshore cruises

Travel

• Regular regional travel throughout the northeastern United States for system installation, maintenance, and field campaigns
• Occasional domestic travel for conferences, collaborator visits, and training
• Regular international travel may be required for field campaigns or instrument deployments at partner sites

• 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. 

Salary Range: $79,565-$103,133

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.