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Working Title: Chief Scientist for Deep Submergence
WHOI Position : Associate Scientist with Tenure or Senior Scientist
Date: 04/04
Position Code: 1002 (Associate with Tenure); 1001 (Senior)
EEO Code: 222 (Associate with Tenure); 221 (Senior)
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Vice President for Marine Facilities and Operations, the Chief Scientist for Deep Submergence (CSDS) provides scientific input to the development of the National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF) to help improve its vehicle systems as well as to ensure that the present and future needs of the broad deep submergence research community are well0served by the NDSF. The CSDS also serves as an advocate for scientific users of the NDSF communicating their needs and ideas to NDSF operations staff and collaborating closely with the Marine Operations Coordinator and NDSF engineers to ensure good user-operator communication. The CSDS also provides a strong and effective voice for the NDSF and deep submergence science at the national and international level.
Major Duties:
  • Makes recommendations and offers advice to Marine Operations and NDSF staff on issues related to science capabilities of NDSF vehicles and of the ships in so far as they relate to NDSF science activities.

  • Collaborates on, and is intimately involved in, planning and prioritization for vehicles and equipment enhancement, assessment of upgrade options, and development of proposals in support of these changes. Is also involved in planning for implementation of these upgrades/enhancements and participates in the testing and integration of the upgrades as appropriate.

  • Provides scientific input to the development of a vision of deep submergence science and technology for the next 5-10 years, working with the VP for Marine Facilities and Operations, the Manager of Deep Submergence, other NDSF staff and relevant personnel in the various WHOI departments.

  • Supports the Marine Operations Coordinator, acting as a liaison between science users and the operations groups within the NDSF. Collaborates closely with the Marine Operations Coordinator to insure that user-operator communication in effective and thorough, and that difference in perception of capabilities and operations between users and operators are resolved well before cruises.

  • Attends Deep Submergence Science Committee (DESSC) meetings as an ex officio member, along with the VP for Marine Facilities and Operations, to provide a strong coherent voice for WHOI and the NDSF facility on the committee.

  • Is proactive in promoting science projects that use and improve NDSF vehicles through presentations at national meetings and publications, including government and public outreach. Disseminates vehicle capability information and a vision of the potential that the NDSF vehicles have for addressing major science issues. Promotes vehicle use within the context of large multi-disciplinary programs.

  • Chairs the Deep Submergence Advisory Committee at WHOI and serves ex officio on the WHOI Marine Operations Committee. The CSDS also attends bi-weekly Marine Operations staff meetings.

  • Maintains an active externally funded research program in a chose field of research.
Desired Education/Experience for Hiring:
Ph.D. in a discipline related to deep submergence science or engineering with significant experience, accomplishment and impact in research to attain the rank of Tenured Associate Scientist or Senior Scientist. Is directly involved in science or engineering programs that utilize NDSF vehicles and has substantial stature within the deep submergence community. Provides evidence of skill as a proactive leader and good communicator with the ability tot work with others towards the resolution of differences.
Term of Appointment:
Four years with the possibility of reappointment for a second four-year term.
Support:
Six months of salary per year will be provided by WHOI during the term of the appointment. In addition, 1.5 months (228 hours) of salary support will be earned for each year of appointment that can be used on completion of the appointment. These funds, referred to as 'step down,' are provided to assist in reestablishing a research program and may be used during the 3-year period immediately following stepping down. It is understood that the appointee will support the remainder of their full-time salary (~6 mo/yr) through grant-funded research.