Postdoctoral Fellow (SHIELD) Full-time

Postdoctoral Fellow (SHIELD)

The Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to study Earth hazards under the Project SHIELD initiative (Science for Hazards, Impact, Evaluation, and Long-term Defense). The successful candidate will develop integrative research approaches to investigate Earth hazards from fundamental physics principles to risk determinations that closely align with societal needs. Interested candidates are encouraged to discuss potential projects with two or more JSG faculty/researchers.

Project SHIELD aims to understand fundamental processes related to Earth hazards and deliver accurate, impactful hazard and risk science to stakeholders in a timely manner. Project SHIELD aims to deliver quantitative tools for stakeholders to improve risk and loss determinations and assess the overall impact of Earth hazards on populations, infrastructure, and the environment. From volcanoes to earthquakes, landslides to tsunamis, floods to heatwaves, the US, specifically, and Earth, more broadly, are constantly exposed to natural hazards. The frequency and severity of these hazards are changing based on a variety of environmental, anthropogenic, and other compounding factors. The ability to identify appropriate solutions to mitigate Earth risks to complex socioeconomic systems is challenging. Project SHIELD aims to understand the processes driving these hazards, which provides important information to improve understanding of risk. Exposure to earth hazards is increasing faster than mitigation strategies are developing; therefore, workflows to target risk reduction are needed, as are ongoing adaptive capacity and transfer mechanisms to stakeholders in a timely manner. Both bottom-up and top-down approaches are needed and expected to be developed. Bottom-up approaches leverage the wealth of knowledge and experience of faculty and researchers in the JSG to guide gaps in current research, leverage datasets, and experience co-designing mitigation and management plans. Top-down approaches focus on the requirements from stakeholders to assess goals and explore management options. Project SHIELD relies on strong input and collaboration from stakeholders to advance the understanding of acceptable risk, improve community resilience, and provide assistance on improvements to Earth hazard risk management.

The successful candidate is expected to pursue self-directed Earth hazard research, aligned with Project SHIELD's goals, building on and expanding existing JSG expertise. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their potential projects with two or more JSG faculty/researchers who will serve as prospective mentors and provide support letters as part of their applications. The successful candidate is also expected to interact with Project SHIELD leadership and stakeholders at regular intervals and as part of integrated research teams. Applicants should have a strong background in Earth hazard research, experience analyzing relevant datasets, strong scientific communication skills, and preferably experience in stakeholder engagement.

The position is for 12 months with a negotiable start date. There is a possibility of renewal for up to an additional 12 months contingent on performance. For full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 30, 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct Earth hazards research that aligns with Project SHIELD's goals.
• Work closely with two or more JSG faculty/researchers, Project SHIELD leadership, and stakeholders.
• Present research results to the scientific community and the broader public.
• Contribute to research within a vibrant group of students, postdocs, and researchers across UT.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a field relevant to Earth hazards (geophysics, atmospheric and oceanic sciences, hydrology, or allied disciplines), completed within the last three years.
• Research experience with Earth hazards and relevant datasets.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience engaging with stakeholders responsible for Earth hazard risk management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong publication record in closely related research topics.

Salary: $70,000

Working Conditions: Typical office environment

Required Materials

• Cover letter and resume (including a list of publications)
• Research proposal (up to two pages)
• A letter of recommendation (1-page) from two potential JSG mentors (faculty/researchers)
• Contact information of three references
• The research proposal and support letters should include how this research contributes to the goals of Project SHIELD and expands current capabilities with strong stakeholder engagement.