Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Physical Oceanography & Ocean Biogeochemistry

Description

JOB TITLE: Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Physical Oceanography & Ocean Biogeochemistry

SUPERVISOR: Zhuomin Chen, Senior Research Scientist

Starting Salary Range: $70,000-$75,000

Overview: 

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. We are dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. To learn more, visit gmri.org.

The Physical Oceanography Lab at GMRI is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to advance research on coastal and shelf ocean processes and their role in biogeochemical variability and climate change. This position sits at the interface of physical oceanography, biogeochemistry, and climate science, with a focus on understanding and predicting ocean carbon cycling, oxygen dynamics, and climate-driven ocean change in the Northwest Atlantic and the Gulf of Maine.

The successful candidate will develop and apply quantitative approaches to analyze large observational datasets, regional ocean model outputs, and climate simulations. The role emphasizes translating scientific understanding into insights relevant to ecosystem variability and marine resource management, in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

This is an early-career position designed for candidates who are motivated to develop independence in research, build proposal-writing experience, and contribute to interdisciplinary ocean science. This position offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and contribute to research that informs understanding of climate impacts, ecosystem dynamics, and the future of ocean systems. This is a one-year funded engagement, with the potential for extension based on performance and funding. 

Responsibilities/Tasks:

• Design and conduct research on coastal and shelf ocean dynamics and biogeochemical processes 
• Analyze large and complex datasets (observations, reanalysis, model outputs) using Python- and/or R-based workflows 
• Investigate physical-biogeochemical coupling, including carbon and oxygen variability 
• Contribute to regional ocean modeling and/or climate projection analyses 
• Translate scientific findings into publications, reports, and presentations for scientific and applied audiences 
• Contribute to the development of research proposals and grant applications 
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across GMRI and partner institutions 
• Provide mentorship and guidance to interns, students, and research associates 

Requirements

Required Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, Climate Science, Earth System Science, or a related field 
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills and proficiency in Python (e.g., xarray, numpy, pandas, matplotlib) and/or R for large dataset analysis 
• Experience working with large datasets and/or high-performance computing 
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results
• Fluent in English
• Eligible to work in the United States 

Other Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in physical and biogeochemistry oceanography, especially ocean carbon and/or oxygen processes 
• Experience with ocean or Earth  system models (e.g., ROMS, MOM6, CESM, or similar) 
• Experience contributing to research proposals or fellowships 
• Interest in developing independent research directions and funding 
• Familiarity with machine learning  or advanced statistical methods

Diversity and Inclusion:

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) has a long-standing policy and commitment to providing equal access and equal employment opportunities in all terms, conditions, processes, and benefits of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, family status, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. GMRI's employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, family status, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. 

Applicants and employees are encouraged to voluntarily provide certain status data to assist GMRI in fulfilling various reporting requirements of the federal government. This self-identification is completely voluntary, will be kept confidential and separate from your application data, and used only to meet certain state or federal reporting requirements. Providing or declining to provide this information will not result in adverse action of any kind.

Salary and Benefits:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Application Instructions:

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter, résumé and Research statement (3 pages maximum). Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the successful candidate has been selected. The deadline to submit applications is June 10, 2026.