Postdoctoral Researcher (Stream Ecosystem Ecology - Arctic)

Mission:

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis. 

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research and impact helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary: 

Join Woodwell’s Evolving Meta-Ecosystems (EvoME) project as a Postdoctoral Researcher in stream ecosystem ecology contributing to the EvoME Institute. We are looking for a broadly trained stream ecosystem ecologist to lead research on stream/riparian ecosystem responses to environmental change such as litter inputs and decomposition, metabolism, nutrient uptake and trophic subsidies.  Our cross-disciplinary research investigates multiple species’ responses to changes in river and streamside willows in Arctic environments by conducting landscape surveys and large-scale experiments across a thermal/genomic gradient of 300 miles from the Yukon River to the Arctic Coastal plain.  

Responsibilities include but not limited: 

• Work both independently and collaboratively with EvoME Institution PIs, students, and other researchers to complete fieldwork, process samples, and enter, manage, analyze and interpret and and write journal articles
• Develop and manage databases and workflows across multiple collaborating institutions for the collection, sharing and archiving the data collected by the institute
• Communicate well both verbally and in writing to non-science audiences
• The fieldwork involves collection of data and samples across a broad latitudinal gradient in Arctic Alaska  
• Design sampling strategies and collect ecosystem processes such as stream metabolism, nutrient concentrations and uptake and other field sampling as part of a team.
• Assist in project planning, supervise and schedule work of other assistants or interns, and provide mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students

Must have the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Willing to live at field sites (Arctic Alaska at Toolik Field Station, or camping) for extended periods while leading the research team
• Experience with diverse aquatic sampling techniques (e.g., stream discharge, metabolism experiments, TASSC additions, soil samples, weather station)
• Willing to travel via foot, truck, plane, helicopter, or boat; work long/unusual schedules; camp in remote Alaska with a team of five
• Self-motivated leader with critical thinking skills; works independently and collaboratively
• Strong communications skills (written, verbal and interpersonal)
• Possesses or willing to develop technical skills (statistics,  stream metabolism modeling, database management, lab/field techniques, R code, possibly Python)
• Engages in complex projects, data analysis, and journal article writing
• Experienced in quantitative analysis, statistical modeling, and database management
• Authors/co-authors publications, presentations, and technical documents
• Executes complex research procedures with minimal supervision
• Organizes and enters field data into spatial/tabular databases
• Proficient in database management
• Experience with stream ecosystem research and eco-evolutionary interactions
• Professional, respectful communicator with team members, communities, landowners, and agencies
• Ability to use a phone, computer and participate in video conferencing
• Willing and able to work in an environment involves exposure to job hazards (including but not limited to wild and domestic animals, biting insects, exposure to elements, unstable walking conditions, chemicals) 
• Referred journal publications in the field
• Willingness to travel and do field work in summer months in the arctic  

Qualifications: 

• PhD (granted or expected soon) in ecology, biology, ecosystem science, natural resources, data science or related field

Physical Requirements: 

In the office:

• Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, sitting
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• Ability to communicate
• Ability to kneel, bend, and carry items
• Ability to use phone and computers
• Repetitive movements
• Air, train, vehicle travel to attend meetings/event

In the field: 

• Ability to work in variable (snow, rain, high and low temperatures) weather conditions in remote locations, often under physically demanding circumstances. 
• Valid driver’s license, a safe driving record and must qualify to drive government vehicles. 
• Ability to hike long distances (5-8 miles) over rough terrain carrying up to 40 pounds of field equipment and field gear. 
• Willingness to work long hours or extended periods in an isolated setting. 
• Work may require physical exertion and/or physical strain to the point of fatigue. 
• Driving a vehicle, ATV or boat (canoe, kayak) to access field sites 
• Walking, hiking, climbing to access field sites 
• Standing, sitting, bending, squatting, and kneeling for sustained periods 
• Reaching and lifting overhead 
• Climbing ladders 
• Use of manual and power tools including ice augers, shovels, saws, drills, and hammers 
• Ability to lift, push, pull up to 10 times/day and carry up to 40 lbs for up to 5-8 miles

Work Environment: 

The functions of this role are conducted in: 

● A variety of indoor and outdoor environments. 

Hours of Work: 

● This role is paid on a salaried, exempt, basis. 

● Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek. However, this is a salaried position with extensive required field work in the Alaskan Arctic. Therefore, the individual is expected to work as required to complete the duties of the position. This may mean weekend or evening hours and/or hours beyond 40 per week. 

Other Duties: 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Application review will be ongoing

Desired Start Date: May 15, 2025, but somewhat flexible. Must be available for field work this summer. 

Fixed-term: 2 years

Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, the annual salary range is starting at $71,000+ depending on qualifications/experience. Woodwell offers a generous benefits package and work life balance.

Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts and remote at field site in northern Alaska

Application Instructions: To apply, please send your cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position, curriculum vitae and two publications or manuscripts as a single PDF to our career’s portal.

Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell’s work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work. 

Woodwell is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.