Special Postdoctoral Fellowships

Global Multi-Scale Ocean Carbon Observatory (GOCO) Postdoctoral Fellowship

Applications are now open until 11:59 PM on January 5, 2026 for fellowships beginning in 2026

We invite applications for an eighteen-month Postdoctoral Fellowship to advance innovation in marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), and ocean–climate observations. The postdoc will be advised by a team of Principal Investigators (PIs) and advisors across the participating institutions, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI), and Stanford University, and collaborate closely with the GOCO team. Together, the internation team will collaborate on shared research that accelerates ocean-climate observations and scalable, verifiable, and equitable ocean-based carbon removal, with emphasis on Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE). The team will conduct fundamental and applied research to improve understanding of biogeochemical and ecosystem responses to OAE, while developing and testing approaches for field-based MRV, testbed coordination, and finance and governance innovation. This integrated framework ensures that research is scientifically rigorous, environmentally responsible, and globally impactful, supporting a coherent multi-institutional strategy for advancing ocean-climate observations and evaluating ocean-based climate solutions.

The WHOI-based fellow will focus on topics related to modelling and researching ship-based dispersal pathways, open-ocean MRV and ecosystem feedback, as well as US East Coast testbed development through the Ocean Vital Signs Network (OVSN).

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for one of these awards, applicants must have received their doctoral degree no more than 3 years before their start date. A doctoral degree is required at the time of appointment, but not at the time of application. It is also expected that candidates will have a command of the English language. The following groups are not eligible for the Scholar competition: MIT-WHOI Joint Program Students; those holding any type of WHOI appointment (paid or unpaid) at the post-doctorate level during the 12 months prior to December 31st of the Scholar application year; and those with more than 12 total months as a WHOI guest student (paid or unpaid), or who have a formal doctoral (co)advisor who is a WHOI employee.

Applications will be accepted from doctoral recipients from all fields of ocean sciences and engineering. Candidates with expertise in carbon cycle science, marine chemistry, MRV tool development, governance, stakeholder engagement, finance/strategy, or related areas are especially encouraged to apply

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants are required to submit an application using the Apply button to the right. As part of the application process, applicants should identify and contact members of the Scientific and Senior Research Staff within one or more of the WHOI scientific departments, who share similar research ideas and are willing to serve as sponsors and mentors. Sponsors are committed to supporting postdocs in their career development. Information about the individual departments and their research can be found by visiting the following department links.

In addition to the formal application form, the following are required:

a current CV or resume that shows educational background, work, and community service experiences;
three non-WHOI recommendation letters (All reference letters should be submitted online by the referee. Reference writers should submit letters using the reference link that will be emailed once the applicant has initiated the process within their application. Applicants should complete the reference section of their application early enough to allow the reference writers to submit materials before the application deadline);
a brief (no longer than one page) plain-language summary of your research experience to date, with emphasis on your PhD training. Summarize what you have accomplished, the skills and techniques learned and developed, obstacles overcome, and the significance of your research and results, written for a non-expert audience. The aim of this document is to assess your ability to conduct independent research at WHOI; and
a statement (no longer than four pages) that addresses your research interests you wish to pursue at WHOI to contribute to ocean-climate-ecosystem observations, modeling, and scalable, verifiable, ocean-based carbon removal, with an emphasis on open-ocean Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) in the context of WHOI’s Ocean Vital Signs Network activities. This could include fundamental and applied research to improve understanding of biogeochemical and ecosystem responses to OAE as well as activities to address broader GOCO goals including testbed coordination, and finance and governance innovation.

All Documents other than the CV are required to be double spaced with one-inch margins and a font size of 11 or greater. Citations may extend beyond the page limit.

Applications should be completed using the apply button found on this page. Applicants completing this form must select the specific award category of GOCO in the Postdoctoral Award Type on the application form.

Application Status

As part of the completion of an online application, applicants will be prompted to create an account to submit any remaining application materials and to monitor application status. Please note that applications cannot be edited after submission. You may login to your account to monitor progress. Awards will be announced in February.

Award Timing

Applications are required by January 5, 2026. The awardee can initiate their study and research period at the Institution any time after March 1 and before December 1, 2026. December 1st is a firm deadline. It is expected that the awardee will physically reside at WHOI for at least two-thirds of their total postdoctoral award period. The fellowship recipient will receive an annual stipend of at least $71,000 for an 18-month appointment, plus relocation and health and welfare allowances. Limited support is also available for travel expenses, equipment, supplies, and special services.

Further information may also be obtained by contacting The Postdoctoral Coordinator: Phone: (508) 289-2950; Email:postdoc@whoi.edu