Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Physical Oceanography & Ocean Biogeochemistry

About GMRI

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.

Overview

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. This is a one-year funded engagement, with the potential for extension based on performance and funding.

Supervisor: Zhuomin Chen, Senior Research Scientist. Starting Salary Range: $70,000–$75,000.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

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.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and research statement (3 pages maximum) via: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/4167130/Gulf-of-Maine-Research-Institute/

Deadline: 10 June 2026.