Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow

The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics invites applications for its Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellows program for 2023-2024. UTIG is known for research excellence, integrative science efforts, and international field programs in geophysics (solid earth, marine, polar), climate science, planetary science, and energy geoscience.

About the Position

This is a highly competitive, endowed 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, contingent upon performance.

Recipients of the endowed fellowship will join a vibrant community of postdocs and research scientists where they are expected to pursue their own research in any scientific subfield that complements or expands ongoing UTIG programs. For a list of past awardees and projects see Institutional Postdoctoral Research Fellows.

Applicants are encouraged to identify and contact one or more prospective UTIG mentor(s).

Successful applicants may take up residence at UTIG as early as March 1, 2023.

Salary Range

$65,000, plus $5,000 discretionary fund for research and travel expenses.

About UTIG

UTIG is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences, which houses top research programs across all areas of the Earth Sciences. UTIG is also closely allied with the Texas Advanced Computing Center, the Center for Planetary Systems Habitability and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences. UTIG employs both computational- and field-based technical support staff, and operates a variety of field equipment and lab facilities.

Requirements

A PhD in a relevant field (Earth, marine, and planetary science or allied disciplines) must have been received within the past three years.

How to Apply

Apply online at the UT Austin Staff Jobs website: R_00023356.

Note: Current university employees must apply through MyWorkday: R_00023356 (requires UT EID).

Applications must include;

1. Curriculum Vitae including education, employment history, publications, and record of any extramural funding,
2. two-page research proposal (including figures, excluding references) stating research interests and research plans and addressing how they complement or expand ongoing research directions at UTIG,
3. names and contact information for three individuals willing to write letters of reference.

Deadline

January 2, 2023.

Questions?

Please contact the search committee chair: Thorsten Becker.

Postdoctoral Fellow (Geomechanics)

The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) invites applications for a Postdoctoral position in Geomechanics. UTIG, which is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin, is known for research excellence, integrative science efforts and international field programs in geophysics. Successful applicants will have expertise in: laboratory experimentation with a focus on rock mechanics, deformation, and fluid flow; computational approaches applied to problems of coupled deformation and fluid flow; or analysis and modeling of geodetic or seismological data.

About the position

This individual will be expected to contribute to, and help lead, research within a vibrant and diverse group that includes undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and laboratory staff working on problems in geofluids, geomechanics, and tectonics.

The appointment is for up to two years, contingent on performance, with a start date as early as March 1, 2023.

For further information, please contact Demian Saffer. Materials will be reviewed beginning December 15, 2022 and will be accepted until the position is filled.

Salary Range

$65,000

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in the laboratory experimental design and experimentation with a focus on deformation and fluid flow in Earth materials.
• Computational approaches applied to problems of coupled deformation and fluid flow; or analysis and modeling of geodetic or seismological data.
• Contribute to research within a vibrant and diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and laboratory staff working on problems in geofluids, geomechanics, and tectonics.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Geosciences, Petroleum Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field within the last three years.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in laboratory experimentation, numerical modeling, and/or analysis of geodetic data applied to problems in tectonics or geomechanics.

How to Apply

Apply online at the UT Austin Staff Jobs website: R_00023204

Note: Current university employees must apply through MyWorkday: R_00023204 (requires UT EID).

Applicants should include a curriculum vitae, a brief (1-2 page) statement of interest, and the names and contact information of three references.

Deadline

December 15, 2022.

Questions?

Please contact Demian Saffer.

Postdoctoral Fellow (Arctic Permafrost)

The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics invites applications for a postdoctoral research position to study the flow properties of thawing permafrost through permeability measurements, CT imaging, and analysis of synthetic and natural permafrost. The candidate will be part of a multi-disciplinary team composed of geoscientists and engineers from Sandia, The University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Alaska. The team is studying Arctic permafrost thaw behavior and its impact on Arctic Green House Gas release, abundance, and composition. This project will develop a framework, from core to regional scales, for modeling current and future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

What We’re Looking For

Above all, we look for a creative individual with a knack for experimental analysis, a passion for quantitative analysis flow behavior, and ability and enthusiasm to be part of a multi-disciplinary effort.

About the Position

This position is for one year and potential second year extension with satisfactory progress.

Responsibilities

• Develop, carry out, and analyze research that studies the flow properties of thawing permafrost through permeability measurements, CT imaging, and analysis of Synthetic and natural permafrost.
• Work collaboratively with scientists from a multi-disciplinary team composed of geoscientists and engineers from Sandia, UT and the University of Alaska.
• Present results to the scientific community and broader public.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Required Qualifications

Qualified individuals must be a U.S. citizen and should have a Ph.D. in Geosciences, Petroleum Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field at the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to perform independent research and collaborate effectively. Knack for experimental analysis. Passion for quantitative analysis flow behavior and ability and enthusiasm to be part of a multi-disciplinary effort.

Salary Range

$65,000

How to Apply

To apply, visit this posting at the UT Austin Staff Jobs website: R_00022998

Note: Current university employees must apply through MyWorkday: R_00022998 (requires UT EID)

Senior Systems Administrator

The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) seeks to hire an experienced IT professional as a Senior Systems Administrator. 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. This position is dedicated to support these activities at UTIG’s location at the University of Texas J.J. Pickle Research Campus.

Purpose

Provide high level computing infrastructure support, maintain security of the computer network, and lead a small team of IT professionals.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with other IT staff to maintain a secure computer network that meets the demands of the research and administration of the institute. Specific tasks include:

• Oversee the installation, configuration, maintenance, and integrity of servers hosting scientific research computing and office services and network (including WiFi and switches).
• Monitor, coordinate, and conduct timely software installation and upgrades to operating systems and software packages. Maintain systems in accordance with established University of Texas IT policies and procedures (including those pertaining to Internet security, export control, and proprietary elements of regulatory and /or commercial agreements).
• Implement IT infrastructure and policies in compliance with CUI/EAR/ITAR requirements, as per University of Texas regulations. Recommend enhancements to the systems. Monitor systems to achieve optimum performance levels. Ensure server data integrity by evaluating, implementing, and managing system backups and data redundancy measures.
• Recommend IT purchase configurations and obtain quotes for hardware and software that support the institute’s research, or are necessary for compliance with UT regulations.
• Perform general problem solving for potential issues with personal computers. Manage inventory of University-owned desktop and laptop computers.
• Provide technical advice and consultation to Institute leadership and investigator groups, as related to scientific and engineering requirements and system objectives, available hardware and software configurations and capabilities; and recommend optimal systems.
• Present recommendations to management. Often responsible for achieving operational status within required time parameters and with acceptable operating performance. Develop and maintain standards, process improvements, and documentation.
• Detect, anticipate, and mitigate network and system vulnerabilities. Resolve problems for large systems. Recommend policies for systems use and functionality.
• May perform system administration for Critical Network Services such as DNS, IPAM, NMS, among others.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science or a related field with at least five years of appropriate experience.
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in systems administration.
• Broad Linux administrative skills, including the maintenance of the computer systems and software licenses.
• Detailed knowledge of mid-scale Linux storage hardware and software.
• Working knowledge of Windows and Macintosh network administration.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with many stakeholders, together with a small team of IT professionals.
• Strong strategic planning and problem solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with both non-technical and technical users.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in shell scripting (bash, tcsh) and programming skills (e.g., C, C++, FORTRAN, Python)
• Experience securing computer systems and networks (local and network firewalls) and use of automated backup systems.
• Experience installing and maintaining complex software used to image and analyze scientific data (e.g., Paradigm, Landmark).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a self-directed manner, manage complex projects, and stay up-to-date with the latest technology developments and best practices and apply the knowledge in the workplace.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Salary Range

$90,000+ depending on experience.

UT Austin provides many competitive benefits, for full details visit: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits

How to Apply

Applications should include:

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

To apply, visit UT Austin’s Staff Jobs website: R_00021644

Note: Current university employees please apply through MyWorkday: R_00021644 (requires UT EID)

Postdoctoral Fellow (Solid Earth & Ice)

The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics is hiring a postdoctoral fellow to conduct research on projects related to mantle convection and glacial isostatic adjustment in the context of continental dynamics and crustal deformation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, carry out, and analyze numerical models of solid Earth dynamics and ice loading histories.
• Present results to the scientific community and broader public.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field. Must have been received within the past three years.
• Proficiency in at least one scientific programming language for modeling and model output data analysis (e.g., C, Fortran, Python, Matlab).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to perform independent research as well as collaborate effectively.

Salary Range

$60,000

Notes

• Includes all benefits, including employer paid medical for employee. Please see UT Human Resources website for a full list of benefits (https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits).
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Position is for one year with the possibility of renewal depending on funding.

How to Apply

Applications should include:

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

To apply, visit UT Austin’s Staff Jobs website: R_00020537-2

Note: Current university employees must apply through MyWorkday: R_00020537 (requires UT EID)

Post will remain open until filled.

Questions?

For information about the application process, contact Rosalind Gamble (rgamble@ig.utexas.edu).

For information about the position, contact Thorsten Becker (twb@ig.utexas.edu).