Research Assistant II (Bioacoustics and Sensory Biology)

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support field and laboratory research in bioacoustics and sensory biology. This role contributes to multidisciplinary research focused on marine soundscapes, the effects of noise on marine life, and the sensory capabilities of marine organisms. The successful candidate will work across multiple projects and teams in a dynamic environment involving laboratory research, field operations, data analysis, and scientific outreach.

Responsibilities

• Support acoustic studies investigating the effects of noise on marine life.
• Assist with coral reef soundscape studies and related acoustic data analyses.
• Support collection, organization, management, and quality control of research data.
• Conduct acoustic analyses, including acoustic calibration and soundscape analysis.
• Support machine learning analyses, particularly those involving acoustic and soundscape datasets.
• Assist with field research activities, including SCUBA diving, small boat operations, equipment deployment, and other field logistics.
• Support neurophysiological and electrophysiological experiments designed to measure the hearing abilities of marine fauna.
• Assist with animal handling, husbandry, and zoological research activities as needed.
• Contribute to the development, testing, and use of research tools and instrumentation.
• Support data management and analysis involving large and complex datasets.
• Assist with scientific outreach and related project activities.
• Work collaboratively with multiple research teams while also independently managing assigned responsibilities.
• Balance priorities and manage time effectively across several complementary projects.
• Adapt to changing research needs, field conditions, and project priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in Marine Science, Bioengineering, Biology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in and ability to contribute to interdisciplinary research spanning marine biology, bioacoustics, engineering, and data science.
• Ability and willingness to work in a variety of laboratory, field, and marine research environments, including conditions that may require flexibility in scheduling and work location.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Marine Science, Bioengineering, Biology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Certified SCUBA diver with demonstrated diving proficiency and experience; AAUS certification is preferred.
• MATLAB and related scientific programming or coding experience.
• Acoustic analysis and bioacoustics experience.
• Experience conducting acoustic calibrations.
• Machine learning analysis, preferably involving acoustic or soundscape data.
• Experience working with large datasets and scientific data management.
• Small boat operation and related field research experience.
• Marine biology experience combined with engineering, instrumentation, or research tool development.
• Animal handling, husbandry, or zoological research experience.
• Neurophysiology or electrophysiology experience.
• Experience supporting field-based marine research.
• Experience working in dynamic research environments and across multiple research teams.

Pay

Salary range: $24.53/hour – $31.54/hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions.

Benefits

Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package.