Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for a Research Associate to join the Geology & Geophysics Department. This is a full-time, exempt position, and the successful candidate will be eligible for full benefits. The initial appointment will be for a one-year period, with possible extension(s) contingent on performance and funding.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative team of researchers based at WHOI, Brown University, and Boston College, working on an NSF-funded project to investigate deformation of the oceanic lower crust. The Postdoctoral Investigator’s primary responsibility will be to conduct high-temperature, high-pressure deformation experiments on aggregates of plagioclase and clinopyroxene at Brown University, and to characterize the microstructures of those samples using scanning electron microscope methods at WHOI (primarily, electron backscatter diffraction, EBSD). Additional opportunities are available to perform geochemical and rheological microanalyses on seafloor samples from the Southwest Indian Ridge. Furthermore, the Postdoctoral Investigator will have the opportunity to contribute to numerical modeling of seafloor spreading along ultraslow-spreading mid-ocean ridges, in collaboration with researchers at Boston College. Ideal applicants should have experience in experimental rock deformation methods (Griggs rig, Paterson apparatus, D-DIA) and electron microanalysis (SEM, EBSD, EDS, EPMA). Applicants from non-traditional backgrounds and/or historically marginalized groups are particularly encouraged to apply. The PIs, and WHOI, are dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that welcome all who wish to be part of our scientific community. All applicants will receive fair consideration independent of race, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or other protected legal status.

The internal working title for this position is Research Associate III. The final level of the position is determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Research Associate will conduct high-temperature, high-pressure Griggs rig experiments, analyze experimental data, perform SEM/EBSD microanalyses, present findings at national and/or international conferences, and write manuscripts for publication.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: As deemed necessary by supervisor.

WHOI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect, where you must register your full vaccination status (vaccination plus booster) in order to begin employment. The registration process is confidential and entails submitting your official vaccination records or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.

An extended stay of three months at Brown University (Providence, RI, USA) will be required within the first 6 months of the position.

Physical duties for this position may include but are not excluded to: routinely using standard office equipment such as a computer and phone, using hands for basic grasping and fine manipulation, occasional exposure to electrical/mechanical and power equipment hazards. Should you need to discuss any accommodations to perform the essential functions of the job, please email eeo@whoi.edu.

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