Overview
Bigelow Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scientist to develop a bio-optical model for coccolithophores and particulate inorganic carbon (PIC), with the goal of updating existing PIC remote sensing algorithms. They will work with coccolithophore cultures, measuring the hyperspectral inherent optical properties of different coccolithophore species, and conduct radiative transfer modelling to determine species specific differences in ocean color. They will then explore the implications of these results on the existing PIC algorithms, and update the algorithms as necessary.
The position is a full-time, one-year appointment. Work will be based at Bigelow Laboratory's campus in East Boothbay, Maine (
www.bigelow.org) The salary for this position is $60,996 annually, with a generous benefits package including health care, retirement contribution, and paid time off.
Requirements
- PhD in marine optics / optical oceanography.
- Extensive experience in radiative transfer modelling
- Experience in bio-optical model development
- Experience building and working with lookup-tables to support marine optics remote sensing algorithm development
- Experience / familiarity with measuring inherent optical properties of seawater and its constituents (experience with a PSICAM would be beneficial)
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with motivation to publish in peer-reviewed literature
- Interest to work in a team and co-supervise technical staff, students and/or interns.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Build a hyperspectral bio-optical model that includes coccolithophores
- Assist with lab measurements of coccolithophore inherent optical properties
- Conduct radiative transfer modelling to determine species specific differences on ocean color, and the overall impact of coccolithophores and their PIC on ocean color
- Explore the implications of these new, hyperspectral observations on existing PIC algorithms and update the algorithms as necessary
- Present results in papers and/or at science team meetings
- Co-supervise technical staff, students and/or interns
Apply
Please submit a CV, description of research interests and main scientific achievements, and contact information for three references using our online application portal. For full consideration, the application should be received by April 27, 2024; the position will remain open until it is filled.
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.