Marine Policy Center Visiting Scholar

Job Summary

The Marine Policy Center (MPC) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution invites applications for its Visiting Scholar Program (VSP), which supports up to 3-month residential appointments for established professionals working at the intersection of ocean science, policy, and decision-making. The VSP emphasizes interdisciplinary exchange and the co-development of ideas that connect ocean science to real-world applications. Scholars benefit from access to WHOI’s scientific expertise, seminars, and intellectual environment, while contributing new perspectives, methods, and areas of policy relevance to the Center.

Job Description

Objectives:
• Advance interdisciplinary collaboration between MPC researchers and external experts in policy-relevant fields
• Expand MPC’s intellectual scope by engaging scholars in emerging or complementary areas not currently represented within the Center
• Strengthen connections between ocean science and decision-making, including policy, governance, markets, and management
• Foster new research directions and partnerships that may lead to future proposals, publications, or applied outcomes
• Enrich the WHOI community through seminars, informal engagement, and participation in ongoing MPC and institutional activities

Eligibility: Established career professionals in fields relevant to marine policy. Must be currently employed in academia, research institutions, government, NGOs or the private sector and be willing to relocate to WHOI for the short-term. Must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent professional degree or have a demonstrated record of achievement in a relevant field.
Support: Scholars will be appointed as WHOI Institution Visiting Scholars for a 3-month appointment for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Fall 2027. Scholars will be provided with WHOI housing (depending on availability) or receive a housing allowance for other arrangements. WHOI will provide reimbursement for roundtrip travel expenses. No stipends or salary will be provided by WHOI.

Applications: Submit applications including a CV, statement of interest, and cover letter by June 15, 2026 for consideration for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 term or by October 15, 2026 for Spring and Fall 2027 to [email protected] and include “MPC Visiting Scholar Application” in the subject line.
For more information go to: https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/understand/departments-centers-labs/mpc/. For general inquiries please contact: [email protected].

Additional Job Requirements

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

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