1) Director
3) Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV
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) Director
The Institute for Geophysics at the University of Texas at Austin (UTIG), one of the three principal units in the Jackson School of Geosciences, seeks applications for the position of Director, which may include a concurrent faculty appointment in the Department of Geological Sciences (qualifications for faculty position must be commensurate with rank). UTIG is a world leader in expeditionary-scale geophysical research, numerical modeling and computational-enabled discovery, conducting research in four broad themes: climate; energy; marine geosciences, seismology and tectonophysics; and polar and planetary geophysics. It has a staff of about 75 research scientists and support staff. Both graduate and undergraduate students play important roles in the UTIG research mission. The Institute’s science vision is described in more detail at https://ig.utexas.edu/utig-science-vision-plan.
Purpose of position
An accomplished leader is sought to provide strategic vision and outstanding operational management, to foster high-quality research programs, and to guide the UTIG community to the next level of accomplishment and impact.
Essential functions
The UTIG Director will maintain and strengthen the culture of collaboration and innovation in the Jackson School of Geosciences, expand the reputation of the institute, promote diversity within the institute and demonstrate commitment to a high-quality student experience.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (e.g. geology, geophysics, oceanography, planetary sciences, etc.) and will have experience in the administration of complex organizations and research programs, a demonstrated record of high-quality research and publications, and excellence in people management and communication skills. Involvement in international and/or large federal programs, and leadership in academic and professional activities is desired.
How to apply
An applicant should submit a letter of interest, a vision statement (including your perspectives on how to advance both scholarly excellence and diversity in the workplace at UTIG), CV and list of four references (with titles and email addresses) electronically to https://apply.interfolio.com/56029. Additionally a resume must be submitted at the UT Austin Jobs website: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UTstaff/job/PICKLE-RESEARCH-CAMPUS/Director_R_00001093.
Questions should be directed to Dr. Gail Christeson or Dr. Sean Gulick, co-Chairs, UTIG Director Search Committee at gail@ig.utexas.edu and sean@ig.utexas.edu. References will only be contacted with permission of the candidates.
Review of applications will commence on January 15, 2019; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The desired target date for the new director to assume duties is September 1, 2019.
UTIG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its community on a range of intellectual and cultural dimensions. UTIG welcomes applicants who will contribute to this diversity through their research, teaching and service, including women, members of minority groups, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others who would contribute in different ways.
2) 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.
3) 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.
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.
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.
Salary is $60,000 per year and appointees are eligible for group health and dental insurance. Limited support may be available for travel, equipment, and other research expenses.
Please see the Becker group’s website and the JSG web pages for more information on current research projects. 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.
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.
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. 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.
Qualified individuals should have a Ph.D. in Geosciences, Petroleum Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field at the time of appointment. Salary is $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. Send an application consisting of:
- letter of interest,
- CV, and
- names of three references willing to write letters of references.
Please send applications electronically as email attachment to PostDocUTIG@ig.utexas.edu and reference Methane Hydrates with Postdoctoral in the subject line.
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.