2) Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV
3) Postdoctoral Fellows Program
4) Postdoctoral Fellow Computational Geodynamics
5) Postdoctoral Fellow Methane Hydrates
*Prospective student? Visit https://ig.utexas.edu/students/prospective-students/ to learn about research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at UTIG
1) Computational Geoscientist
Purpose of position
The Computational Geoscientist will provide technical leadership and expertise to develop, optimize, and deploy software and workflows that enable new Earth and planetary science research utilizing high performance computing, visualization, and big data approaches.
Essential functions
The candidate is expected to work with a number of computationally oriented research scientists and their graduate students at UTIG. She/he is to lead and assist in tasks such as adaptation of existing codes, algorithm and software development for multi-scale, multi-physics problems, implementation and deployment of software, optimization of software for high-performance, massively parallel computing platforms, optimization of workflows including high throughput data processing, construction of adjoint models, and other computational and data science tasks. The successful candidate will have the scientific and interpersonal skills to interface with diverse and heterogeneous teams of scientists as well as to work independently. She/he has to be self-motivated and is encouraged to bring in their personal scientific interests and expertise into collaborative projects.
Qualifications
We seek an individual with a Ph.D. in the Earth sciences, computational sciences, applied math, engineering, physics, or a related field; three years’ experience working in a computational research position; proficiency in at least one common programming language, such as scientific Python, C/C++, or F90; ability to work independently under established deadlines and as part of a team; strong oral presentation and interpersonal communications skills; ability to travel to partner and collaborator institutions, relevant conferences, etc. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
The following qualifications are also desired: Peer-reviewed publications; five or more years working at computational research positions in academic institutions or government laboratories; demonstrated research experience in the Earth and planetary sciences (e.g., geodynamics, climate dynamics, seismology and exploration geophysics, or dynamo studies); demonstrated success in preparing proposals in competitive funding environments; and proficiency in more than one programming language.
How to apply
Application material should include a CV with list of publications or other products, a maximum two-page statement of research achievements and interests, and a list of three potential reference letter writers. To directly apply for the position, please go to https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/180411010708.
Review of material will start soon, and the position will remain open until filled. Questions should be directed to the chair of the search committee, Thorsten Becker, at twb@ig.utexas.edu.
UTIG is interested in building a culturally diverse intellectual community; we strongly encourage applications from like-minded people. UTIG is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.
2) Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate IV
Purpose of position
To provide support at UT Pickle Research campus and UT Austin main campus within a large research unit for geoscience software, specifically Landmark Graphics_OpenWorks and Petrel. Administration, loading and management of geologic and geophysical data for multiple large domestic and international research projects.
Essential functions
Improve access and knowledge of large well databases w_ Geolog and Neuralog Assist with transfer of maps and data to and from Decisionspace, ARCGIS, and Neuralog. Assist in developing an IT infrastructure to support geological and geophysical research. Evaluate new hardware and software technologies. Monitor, evaluate and choose deployment timing of new seismic interpretation software releases. (10%)Manage the geological and geophysical Oracle _Openworks_ databases data. Standardize and optimize project-specific and overall UTIG seismic datasets, primarily related to GBDS and GeoFluids_Hydrates, but also small boat, radar and legacy seismic data. Assist in establishing interactions _data import_export_ between subsurface modeling software and geomechanical modules _e.g., GoCAD_. Support in creating 2D and 3D subsurface models from seismic data. (30%)Other related functions as assigned.Advise researchers and students on seismic map generation including selection of appropriate interpolation algorithms given density of data. Analyze map results and perform quality control to deal with artifacts and spurious results. Solve problems encountered in interpretation, map generation, and correlating log data with seismic data. (20%)Create database projects and assist in the loading of geologic_geophysical_petrophysical data. Manage the tape and digital archive of past and current geologic projects. Work on multiple research projects assisting with mapping, modeling, and data management. Ensure high quality of ties between different 2D and 3D surveys, including balancing amplitudes and depth matching. (20%)Support geologic, petrophysical, and geophysical software. Train staff and students in these applications including Haliiburton Decisionspace, Paradigm Echos, Petrel, Gocad, and Geolog. Work with Geophysical software vendors to ensure that researchers and students are provided opportunities for technical training. On-site mentoring and consulting. Work with teams on both main campus and Pickle to meet needs for 2D and 3D seismic interpretation. (20%)
Qualifications
Required: Bachelors and six years of related experience. Ability to use and design specialized research equipment as required by the project. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred: Masters and four years of related experience. Ability to use and design specialized research equipment as required by the project. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Salary Range
$52,680 + depending on qualifications
How to apply
A resume or CV is required to apply. A list of 3 references is required to apply. Any additional required materials are noted in the Job Details section.
Please visit the vacancy posting on The University of Texas at Austin Staff Jobs website to apply.
3) Postdoctoral Fellows Program
The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) invites applications for its Postdoctoral Fellows program for 2020-2021. UTIG, which is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin, is known for research excellence and international field programs in geophysics (solid earth, marine, polar), climate science, planetary science, and energy geoscience.
This is a highly competitive institutional award open to recent doctorates (degree within the past 3 years) in Earth, marine, and planetary science or allied fields. The appointment is for two years. Recipients may pursue their own research interests in any scientific subfield that complements or expands ongoing UTIG programs, and are encouraged to identify and contact one or more prospective UTIG mentor(s). Successful applicants may take up residence at UTIG as early as September 1, 2020.
Salary
$60,000 per year. Appointees are eligible for group health and dental insurance; UTIG will also provide $7,500 for research and travel expenses.
How to Apply
Applications must contain:
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) that includes education, employment history, publications, and record of any extramural funding;
- A two page research proposal (including references or figures) stating research interests and specific plans for their UTIG residence and addressing how they complement or expand ongoing research directions at UTIG;
- Names and contact information for three individuals willing to write letters of reference.
Applications may be submitted electronically as an email attachment to PostDocUTIG@ig.utexas.edu. For full consideration, applications must be received by January 17, 2020.
4) Postdoctoral Fellow Computational Geodynamics
We seek to hire a Computational Geodynamics postdoctoral fellow with an initial appointment period of one year. The start date is flexible, but preferably before the Summer of 2019. There are a number of possible collaborative research projects the postdoc could engage with, including lithospheric deformation modeling with focus on the evolution of topography and modeling the earthquake cycle in subduction zones. Collaboration with other researchers at UT is strongly encouraged.
Please see the Becker group’s website and the JSG web pages for more information on current research projects.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will have a background in geophysics, experience with numerical code developments and deployment on high-performance computing environments, and interests in mantle dynamics including the lithosphere.
Salary
$60,000 per year. Appointees are eligible for group health and dental insurance. Limited support may be available for travel, equipment, and other research expenses.
How to Apply
Interested persons should submit, in PDF format, a one-page description of research achievements and interests, a reprint of your favorite publication, and a Curriculum Vitae (CV) to PostDocUTIG@ig.utexas.edu.
Review of applications will begin by the end of January and position will remain open until filled.
Please note position requires a recent PhD (within the past three years). For questions, contact Thorsten Becker (twb@ig.utexas.edu).
5) Postdoctoral Fellow Methane Hydrates
The Institute for Geophysics at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) invites applications for a postdoctoral research position to study methane hydrates in geological systems.
What We’re Looking For
We are searching for an individual with the ability to characterize methane hydrate systems in the subsurface through analysis of 3-D seismic and borehole geophysical data. Above all, we look for creative individuals with a passion for understanding the evolution of hydrate systems.
About the Position
The candidate will be part of a research team composed of geoscientists and petroleum engineers analyzing methane hydrate deposits in the offshore Gulf of Mexico through scientific drilling. This position is for one year and potential second year extension with satisfactory progress. For more information, please visit our methane hydrates page.
Requirements
Qualified individuals should have a Ph.D. in Geosciences, Petroleum Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field at the time of appointment.
Salary
$60,000 per year and appointees are eligible for group health insurance. Review of candidates will begin May 15, 2019; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
How to Apply
Please send applications electronically as email attachment to PostDocUTIG@ig.utexas.edu and reference Methane Hydrates with Postdoctoral in the subject line.
Applications must include:
- letter of interest,
- CV, and
- names of three references willing to write letters of references.
The University of Texas at Austin is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All positions are security sensitive, and conviction verification is conducted on applicants selected.
6) Marine Geophysics PhD
UTIG is seeking two highly-motivated PhD students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in marine geophysics. Tuition, generous stipend, and other fees will be funded for both graduate research positions.
Student support is available starting as early as January 2020 via a multi-institutional, collaborative NSF-funded project focused on Axial Seamount magmatic, hydrothermal and tectonic processes. Students will work with 3D seismic, 2D long-offset and ocean bottom seismometer data collected onboard the R/V Marcus Langseth in July/August 2019.
Research topics include, but are not limited to seismic tomography, uncertainty quantification via global optimization techniques, full waveform inversion, state-of-the-art seismic reflection processing and numerical modeling of tectonic and hydrothermal processes.
The successful student(s) will gain experience working on high-performance computing clusters.
Ph.D. applicants are preferred. Prior research experience, background in math/physics/geophysics, strong communication skills and computer programming skills are beneficial.
For more information, please contact Dr. Adrien Arnulf – aarnulf@ig.utexas.edu.
All applications must be complete in the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) by the appropriate deadline (December 1st 2019 for fellowship consideration and January 1st for all applications).
More information about the application process can be found at the Jackson School of Geosciences admissions portal
For additional information concerning the application process, contact JSG’s graduate Program Coordinator, Philip Guerrero: philipg@jsg.utexas.edu
7) Geomechanics PhD
We are currently seeking multiple PhD students to join the Geomechanics and GeoFluids research program in the Department of Geological Sciences, at UT Jackson School of Geosciences. Our group works on a wide range of problems related to stress, fault and rock strength, coupled deformation and fluid flow, and rock and sediment physical properties in the Earth’s crust, through integration of experimental, theoretical modeling, and field-based approaches. Active research projects provide an opportunity to engage and are strongly allied with Scientific Ocean Drilling efforts offshore New Zealand, Japan, Costa Rica, the Gulf of Mexico, and several other continental margins; these projects also offer outstanding opportunities to engage with research in the energy industry.
Current areas of focus include mechanical and hydrological processes in active tectonic environments, such as subduction zones and transform systems; deformation, material properties, and pore pressure in regions with complex stress histories; flow and mechanical properties of mudrocks, and gas hydrate systems. Tuition, stipend, and other fees will be fully funded for these research positions.
For information please contact Demian Saffer or Peter Flemings.
All applications must be completed in the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) by the appropriate deadline (December 1st 2019 for fellowship consideration and January 1st for all applications). See https://gradschool.utexas.edu/admissions/how-to-apply.
More information about the application process can be found at the Jackson School’s admissions portal.
For additional information concerning the application process, contact the Jackson School’s graduate program coordinator, Philip Guerrero.