Job Openings
The following positions are currently open at the Woods Hole Research Center :
- Chief Development Officer
- Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Assistant, Forest carbon mapping and land use scenario modeling
- Project Assistant in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Chief Development Officer
WHRC is seeking candidates for the Chief Development Officer (CDO) who will report to and partner with President and Senior Scientist, Eric Davidson, Ph.D., and join the senior leadership team. This is an exciting time to join the Center, with increasing public focus on climate change. The new CDO will oversee a small, dedicated development team and lead a comprehensive development program while personally cultivating, soliciting, closing and stewarding gifts in 5-6 figure range. Successful candidates will have 10+ years of professional fundraising experience and passion for WHRC’s mission and environmental sciences.
For more information, please review the full position announcement. To apply, please email your cover letter and resume in confidence to
Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Assistant, Forest carbon mapping and land use scenario modeling
Summary: Woods Hole Research Center seeks a postdoctoral fellow or research assistant to participate in projects focused on mapping and monitoring carbon in tropical forests, incorporating field forest inventories with satellite observations (optical/radar/lidar) and development of land use scenarios and associated carbon emissions. The successful candidate will work closely with the principal investigator and collaborators in Africa, applying satellite observations to improve tropical forest characterization, monitoring and carbon management in the tropics. This position requires advanced remote sensing experience and knowledge of the DINAMICA modeling platform, including the ability to manipulate large data sets using personally developed scripts.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will:
- Conduct research on remote sensing data fusion and the development of robust algorithms, integrating ground and airborne data at local to national scale for forest carbon mapping
- engage in a highly collaborative environment to analyze, synthesize, and present results
- advance analysis of forest disturbances
- perform complex geoprocessing, frequently beyond the ‘push-button’ approach
- participate in capacity building and technology transfer in tropical countries, with a focus on Africa
Qualifications and Experience:
- Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Biology, Geography, Computer Science and/or a related discipline
- Demonstrated ability using earth observation imagery and a demonstrated ability to write scripts, conduct spatial analysis and manage databases
- Demonstrated ability using a variety of software/geospatial tools and possess the ability to continuously learn new technical skills as needed
- Processing multi-sensor imagery for mapping applications
- Digital image processing software packages (Erdas, Imagine, Idrisi, ENVI/IDL, or open source alternatives)
- Working with forestry data sets
- Geospatial script writing (Python, R, gdal, C/C#, SQL, Perl, Java, and AML also useful)
- Experience in performing GIS tasks in a multi-operating system environment (Windows/Linux/Mac/Solaris)
- Knowledge of dinamica modeling platform
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a constantly evolving environment
- French language skills desirable
Appointment: 3 year appointment
Application deadline: December 31, 2012
Desired Start Date: January 2013
Salary Range: $45,000 to $55,000, with full benefit package, exempt position
Application Instructions: Please refer to job #FCMRA12 and email cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to: .
Project Assistant in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Summary: The Project Assistant will report to the Project Manager for a pilot REDD+, community forest management and development project in Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Project Assistant’s tasks will be administrative, logistical, and communications for the project, which is under the direction of the Woods Hole Research Center in collaboration with the DRC Ministry of Environment and a variety of local government and non-government partners. The project will include biophysical, social and economic research; along with implementation of pilot REDD community forest management initiatives in two locations in Equateur Province, Gemena and Mbandaka. Headquarters for the project and this position will be in Mbandaka.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will:
- Organize, administer and maintain the project office and its systems
- Build a strong network of the institution and partners
- Administer interoffice and external relations
- Build a project network
- Assist in development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools and systems for the project
- Work independently, but also coordinate effectively as part of a team
Qualifications & Experience:
- BS, BA or equivalent in communications, public or business administration
- Minimum of 3 years experience working with international programs in DRC, preferably in development and/or environment
- Excellent writing and strong communication skills
- Proven track record with institutional strengthening and partnership building
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating diplomacy and tact
- Proven ability to effectively manage external relations and to build teams
- Demonstrable respect for all persons regardless of religion, ethnicity, class, gender, or age
- Willingness to reside in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Mbandaka, Equateur Province) and travel frequently to Kinshasa and Gemena
Appointment: 3 year appointment.
Application deadline: May 30, 2013 or until filled.
Desired start date: ASAP
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Application Instructions: Please send: cover letter referencing job #DRCPA01, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to .
The mission of the Woods Hole Research Center is to advance scientific discovery and seek science-based solutions for the world’s environmental and economic challenges through research and education on forests, soils, air, and water. Our scientists combine analysis of satellite images of the Earth with field studies to measure, model, and map changes in the world’s ecosystems, from the thawing permafrost in the Arctic to the expanding agriculture regions of the tropics. We merge natural science with economics to discover sustainable paths for human prosperity and stewardship of the Earth’s natural resources.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Woods Hole Research Center considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, disability, age, marital or veteran status, sexual preference, ancestry or any other protected status recognized under law. We will evaluate your experience and background in relation to the requirements of the position(s) for which you apply. The Center will check references on all applicants, and any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of reference and background information. In addition, an individual offered employment will need to: complete appropriate tax forms, complete an I-9 form, and provide documents showing proof of eligibility to work in the United States.







