Postdoctoral Researcher (Icy Ocean World Interiors) Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher (Icy Ocean World Interiors)

UTIG is one of the three research units of the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. Scientists and students at UTIG conduct expeditionary research in Earth Science in all parts of the world and are also involved in planetary missions and climate modeling. These research projects produce large data sets and require computational analysis and visualization.

You will be working for a university that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. You will be part of an international effort at the forefront of advancing the energy transition. You will be part of a vibrant university experience that interweaves students, engineering and support staff and senior scientists. You will be part of a team, launching young people on their careers and advancing fundamental and applied science. UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package including:

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Hybrid work schedule
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

About the Position

Icy ocean worlds, which include bodies like Enceladus, Titan, Europa, and Ganymede, constitute a fascinating and important class of planetary bodies that we are just beginning to understand. Computer modeling is an important tool to help advance our understanding of the interiors of these bodies and the geophysical processes that drive their evolution and behavior. UTIG seeks a postdoctoral scholar who can contribute to ongoing work to better understand the interiors of these bodies, particularly the structure and dynamics of their icy shells.

The successful candidate would work primarily with Dr. Douglas Hemingway but will have opportunities to collaborate with other researchers at UTIG, across the Jackson School of Geosciences, and across the wider UT campus. Candidates should be self-motivated and interested in a collaborative working environment, which may include working closely with faculty, students, and other postdoctoral researchers. Candidates should have a strong background in physics and mathematics as well as expertise in geophysics, geodynamics, geochemistry, and/or computer modeling (experience with Matlab or similar is preferred, but not required). In addition to supporting ongoing work at UTIG, the successful candidate will be encouraged to initiate and lead their own projects with support from Dr. Hemingway and other researchers.

The position is open now and will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. Start date is negotiable. The appointment is for up to two years, contingent on performance. The successful candidate will have access to up to $10,000 to be used towards research expenses and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Develop computer models of geodynamical processes in planetary interiors, especially icy ocean worlds.
• Contribute to ongoing research projects related to the interiors of Enceladus, Titan, Europa, and Ganymede.
• Help develop and lead new research projects in related areas.
• Contribute to research within a vibrant group of students, postdocs, and staff.
• Present results to the scientific community and broader public.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in planetary science, physics, astronomy, geophysics, or a related field, completed within the last three years.
• Strong background in mathematics and programming (Matlab or similar preferred).
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working mindset.
• Strong publication record in closely related research topics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience with modeling planetary interiors, especially icy ocean worlds.
• Research experience related to the formation, differentiation, and thermal evolution of planetary interiors, especially icy moons.

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Salary

$65,000

Required Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (including list of publications)
• Brief (~2 page) statement of research interests
• Contact information for three references