Job Openings

The following positions are currently open at the Woods Hole Research Center :

 

Postdoctoral Researcher, Research Associate or Assistant, Forest Biomass and Land Cover Change

SUMMARY: The Woods Hole Research Center seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Associate/Assistant to focus on research projects in the area of active and passive remote sensing of forest structure using optical, lidar and radar data. Projects have an emphasis in Indonesia and Brazil, using optimal integration of field and multi-sensor image data sources, fusion for a range of large-area forest mapping, change detection, and biomass/carbon assessment. The successful candidate will work extensively with satellite and various other geospatial data sets, interacting with the principle investigators, engaged in a highly collaborative environment. This position requires an ability to work on multiple projects and adapt quickly, in order to meet deadlines for research reports, papers and presentations on a range of research topics. The position also offers the opportunity to participate in capacity building and training of government technical personnel.

Responsibilities - The successful candidate will:

  • Conduct research on the development of robust algorithms and data fusion techniques integrating ground, airborne, and satellite data for large-area mapping.
  • Analyze, synthesize, and present results including oral presentations and contributions to reports, publications, and web-based materials.
  • Contribute to technical capacity building and training activities focused on advancing forest monitoring system design and implementation at the national and subnational (state) level.
  • Travel to Southeast Asia and Latin America as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Ph.D. or Master’s degree with experience in optical/lidar/radar remote sensing, GIS, programming for spatial data analysis, and large dataset processing/ analysis in high-performance Unix/Linux compute cluster environment.
  • Programming skills: demonstrated proficiency in one or more major programming/batch scripting languages (Bash, C/C++, Python, R, Matlab, IDL, etc.).
  • GIS skills: GDAL, ArcGIS, ENVI, etc.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills required for the presentation of results and the preparation of peer-reviewed research papers.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills required for work in a highly collaborative environment, for interacting with government representatives and, leading capacity building and technical training activities.
  • Background in remote sensing, image processing, computer programming, geography, forestry, forest ecology, natural resources, or environmental science/education.
  • Experience processing/analyzing MODIS, spaceborne/airborne lidar and/or ALOS/PALSAR data highly desirable.
  • Portuguese language skills desirable.

Application deadline: May 30, 2012, or until filled

Desired Start Date: ASAP

Appointment: One year, with the possibility of extension

Salary Range: $40,000 to $50,000, with full benefit package, exempt position

Application Instructions: Please refer to Job #WWRA01 and email cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to: .

 

Assistant, Associate or Senior Scientists

SUMMARY:The Woods Hole Research Center seeks scientists to contribute to and expand our ongoing research in biogeochemistry, soil science, carbon cycling, and forest and wetland ecology.  Positions are open at the assistant, associate, and senior scientist level, depending on candidate experience. 

Responsibilities - The successful candidate will:

  • Conduct research on biogeochemistry, soil science, carbon cycling, or forest and wetland ecology related to global change processes
  • Secure research funding
  • Collaborate on other research and education activities with WHRC scientists and staff
  • Lead in presentation and publication of scientific results

Qualifications and Experience:

  • PhD and postdoctoral experience in a relevant field is required
  • For the soil science and biogeochemistry focus: expertise desirable in the use of carbon isotopes for studying organic matter dynamics, measurement of carbon and nitrogen trace gas emissions, and interests in permafrost soils
  • For the carbon cycling focus: experience desirable with land-use change, terrestrial ecology, and the global carbon cycle
  • For the forest and wetland ecology focus: experience in Southeast Asia desirable, as well as other geographic regions
  • Modeling skills desirable
  • Excellent records of publication and obtaining extramural funding highly desirable
  • Collaborative, flexible, organized, and efficient work ethic required
  • Excellent writing and communication skills required

Application Deadline: Until filled.

Desired Start Date: Summer/Fall 2012.

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience, with full benefit package, exempt position

Application Instructions: Please refer to Job #SCIENCE12 and email cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to: .

 

Project Manager in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Summary: The Project Manager will report to Woods Hole Research Center (WHRC) Principal Investigators of a pilot REDD+, community forest management and development project in Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Project Manager will be responsible for development, implementation and coordination of the project, which is under the authority of the WHRC in collaboration with the DRC Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with a variety of local government and non-government partners. The project will include biophysical, social and economic research, along with implementation of pilot REDD community forest management initiatives in two locations in Equateur Province, Gemena and Mbandaka. Headquarters for the project and this position will be in Mbandaka.

Responsibilities – The successful candidate will:

  • Oversee tropical forest ecology project; coordinate, implement, and manage the project from the ground up
  • Manage the project budget and operational plans
  • Establish and manage the project office
  • Assist in development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools and systems for the project
  • Build and strengthen the institution and its partners
  • Report monthly to WHRC and assist local partners with development of a newsletter

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in natural resources or environmental management, tropical forest ecology, environmental and natural resource economics
  • Excellent writing and strong communication skills
  • Fluent French and English, spoken and written (candidates not meeting this criterion will not be considered)
  • Minimum 5 years experience working internationally in developing countries on development and environment issues
  • Minimum 2 years experience in project management
  • Strong financial/budget skills
  • Proven track record of institutional strengthening, partnership and team building
  • Strong organizational/logistical planning skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating diplomacy and tact
  • Proven ability to effectively manage external relations and to build teams
  • Demonstrable respect for all persons regardless of religion, ethnicity, class, gender, or age
  • Willingness to reside in central Democratic Republic of Congo (Mbandaka, Equateur Province) and travel frequently to Kinshasa and Gemena

Appointment: Three-year appointment.

Application deadline: March 12, 2012

Desired start date: May/June 2012

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Application Instructions: Please send cover letter referencing Job #DRCMGR01, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to .

 

Project Assistant in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Summary: The Project Assistant will report to the Project Manager for a pilot REDD+, community forest management and development project in Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Project Assistant’s tasks will be administrative, logistical, and communications for the project, which is under the direction of the Woods Hole Research Center in collaboration with the DRC Ministry of Environment and a variety of local government and non-government partners. The project will include biophysical, social and economic research, along with implementation of pilot REDD community forest management initiatives in two locations in Equateur Province, Gemena and Mbandaka. Headquarters for the project and this position will be in Mbandaka.

Responsibilities – The successful candidate will:

  • Organize, administer and maintain the project office and its systems
  • Build a strong network of the institution and partners
  • Administer interoffice and external relations
  • Build a project network
  • Assist in development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools and systems for the project
  • Work independently, but also coordinate effectively as part of a team

Qualifications & Experience:

  • BSc, BA or equivalent in communications, public or business administration
  • Minimum of 3 years experience working with international programs in DRC, preferably in development and/or environment
  • Excellent writing and strong communication skills
  • Proven track record with institutional strengthening and partnership building
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating diplomacy and tact
  • Proven ability to effectively manage external relations and to build teams
  • Demonstrable respect for all persons regardless of religion, ethnicity, class, gender, or age
  • Willingness to reside in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Mbandaka, Equateur Province) and travel frequently to Kinshasa and Gemena

Appointment: Three-year appointment.

Application deadline: March 12, 2012

Desired start date: May/June 2012

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Application Instructions: Please send cover letter referencing Job #DRCPA01, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to .

The mission of the Woods Hole Research Center is to advance scientific discovery and seek science-based solutions for the world’s environmental and economic challenges through research and education on forests, soils, air, and water. Our scientists combine analysis of satellite images of the Earth with field studies to measure, model, and map changes in the world’s ecosystems, from the thawing permafrost in the Arctic to the expanding agriculture regions of the tropics. We merge natural science with economics to discover sustainable paths for human prosperity and stewardship of the Earth’s natural resources. Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Woods Hole Research Center considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, disability, age, marital or veteran status, sexual preference, ancestry or any other protected status recognized under law. We will evaluate your experience and background in relation to the requirements of the position(s) for which you apply. The Center will check references on all applicants, and any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of reference and background information. In addition, an individual offered employment will need to: complete appropriate tax forms, complete an I-9 form, and provide documents showing proof of eligibility to work in the United States.