The Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) is looking for a highly motivated junior or senior scientist with expertise in Chemical Oceanography or a closely related field. The selected person will be responsible for observing and modeling activities required for providing coastal ocean resource managers and the scientific community in general with critical decision-supporting information including but not limited to assessing/forecasting threats to coastal ecosystems, assisting in identifying mitigation strategies, and other pertinent approaches to preserve their services. The selected candidate will also lead NOAA OAP-funded activities including MAPCO2 buoy operations and discrete sample collection and data management. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. The review of applications will begin on July 29, 2022. The anticipated start date is September 01, 2022.
Overview
CARICOOS is one of eleven regional associations that together form the US Integrated Ocean Observing System. The mission of CARICOOS is to provide accurate and timely coastal and ocean data and decision support tools to enhance safety in our coasts and ocean, improve the efficiency of maritime operations and support coastal resource management in the US Caribbean Exclusive Economic Zone (Puerto Rico [PR], US Virgin Islands [USVI] and Navassa). At the moment, core CARICOOS observing, and prediction capabilities are divided into an observational subsystem and a modeling and analysis subsystem. Key components of the observational subsystem include: CARICOOS Data Buoy Network, a network of seven oceanographic and wave data buoys; the CARICOOS High-Frequency Radar Network consisting of five HFR antennas; the CARICOOS Mesonet and Windnet, a network of 18 coastal weather stations; the CARICOOS Lagrangian Drifter Program; and deep-sea gliders, operated in collaboration with NOAA AOML. The main components of the modeling and analysis subsystem are: the CARICOOS Nearshore Wave Model, a high-resolution operational wave model covering Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands; the CARICOOS-Sea Grant Nearshore Breaker Model; the CARICOOS Storm Surge Modeling Program; the CARICOOS Operational Wind Model, a set of operational wind models for PR/USVI at 1 and 2 km spatial resolution; and CARICOOS Coastal Circulation Model, a high-resolution model implementation of the Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model. In addition, a data management and cyberinfrastructure (DMAC) subsystem synthetize all available real-time observations, model predictions and third-party data for easy access by CARICOOS stakeholders and researchers. CARICOOS is a certified Regional Information Coordination Entity (RICE) of the U.S. IOOS program, meaning CARICOOS programs and data assembly centers have been reviewed and meet federal standards.
Position Summary and Responsibilities
CARICOOS is looking for a highly motivated Chemical Oceanographer with a proven track record in ocean carbon cycling. Expertise should include ocean biogeochemistry, ocean acidification, and other coastal environmental stressors.
The prospective candidate will also co-lead CARICOOS efforts toward meeting stakeholder needs who demand chemical and biogeochemical information/expertise in research, field studies, and product development. Stakeholder sectors to be supported include but are not limited to coastal management, entities carrying out ecosystem restoration, regulatory entities, and others. In addition, the selected scientist will co-lead the ongoing ocean acidification monitoring program and collaborate with the PR Climate Change Council, analogous activities, and entities in the region. The prospected candidate will work in an interdisciplinary research environment.
Required Experience
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Oceanography, Biogeochemistry or another relevant technical field/discipline.
- Specialized experience MUST include all the following:
- Conducting research to better understand the changing role of the ocean in the global/local carbon cycle.
- Recording, analyzing, and interpreting data obtained from samples and remote sensing equipment.
- Collecting field samples and data, probably at sea, using equipment such as in situ samples and sensors, remote sensors, and towed or self-powered underwater vehicles.
- Testing and analyzing samples in laboratory conditions.
- Preparing and performing technical briefings and presentations,
- Publishing and presenting scientific research findings.
The operational nature of the CARICOOS enterprise will require 24/7 responsiveness. The position can involve travel and periods of time away from home to conduct research.
Salary Range: According to experience. The salary will be based on a 10-month/yr. appointment, with the possibility of receiving additional compensation from externally funded projects for up to two months per year.
Interested candidates can apply by sending a: (1) curriculum vitae that includes educational background, positions held, and a list of publications, including those under review, and other relevant activities such as fieldwork, teaching and mentoring experiences, leadership experience, service, outreach and participation in conferences and (2) the name and contact information of three references to CARICOOS Deputy and Technical Director Dr. Patricia Chardón-Maldonado (patricia.chardon@upr.edu).