Adjunct Scientist - AOP&E

February 10, 2026

Job SummaryJob DescriptionScientists from other institutions, agencies, or industries, who are of stature equivalent to WHOI Scientific Staff, may be appointed as Adjunct Scientists while maintaining their regular employment relationships with their home institution. An Adjunct appointment attests that the scientist intends to periodically spend short periods of time working at the Institution and, both while here and at their parent institution, to collaborate closely with members of WHOI’s Scientific and/or Technical Staffs. This status confers the right to submit proposals through the Institution, but carries no implication of tenure and does not include any form of salary support. Because the objective of an Adjunct appointment is to facilitate scientific collaboration that would otherwise be logistically difficult, it is normally reserved for scientists not located in the area. Adjunct appointments are for four-year periods and may be renewed. Additional Job RequirementsProcess: The file for an Adjunct appointment contains the applicant’s curriculum vitae and a written explanation of the research objectives of the appointment, comments from WHOI scientists who know and desire to collaborate with the candidate, a recommendation from the Department Chair, and samples of the candidate’s publications if appropriate. The file including an Authorization for Personnel Action form is forwarded via email to HR and to the Deputy Director and VP for Research(DDVPR) for review. At the discretion of the DDVPR, the file may be distributed to the Department Chairs, the Vice President for Academic Programs, and/or the Vice President for Marine Operations for comment. The file may be brought to a Staff Council meeting if questions arise. The DDVPR makes the final decision and signs the authorization form. HR signature is not required in advance of DDVPR approval. The DDVPR office sends a scan of the signed Authorization for Personnel Action form to HR. The letter to the Adjunct is produced by HR and forwarded electronically to the Adjunct, cc: DDVPR and the Adjunct’s department office. The procedure for renewal is the same as for appointment of an Adjunct except that a statement of the candidate’s research objectives does not have to be included. The memo from the department sponsor of the Adjunct must include specific information about intended future collaborations.Payment: Although it is not the intent of an Adjunct appointment to provide any compensation, there may be rare circumstances when it is appropriate for an Adjunct to receive pay through WHOI for short periods of time. In this situation, the Adjunct becomes a Casual employee.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 StatementWoods 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. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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