1) Director
3) Institutional Postdoctoral Fellow
4) Richard T. Buffler Postdoctoral Fellowship
5) Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV
6) Postdoctoral Fellow – Ocean Carbon Cycle
7) Postdoctoral Fellow Computational Geodynamics
*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) Institutional Postdoctoral Fellow
About the fellows program
The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) invites applications for its postdoctoral fellows program for 2019-2020. UTIG, which is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences at UT Austin, is known for international field programs in geophysics (solid earth, marine, polar) as well as energy geoscience, planetary science, and climate science.
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 one year and may be extended for another year based upon performance. Recipients may pursue their own research interests in any scientific subfield that complements or expands ongoing UTIG programs, and are encouraged to identify a UTIG mentor.
Successful applicants may take up residence at UTIG as early as September 1, 2019, but no later than December 31, 2019.
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.
How to Apply
Applications must contain:
- a current Curriculum Vitae (CV) that includes education, employment history, publications, and record of any extramural funding;
- a concise statement of research interests, and a discussion of how these interests complement those of UTIG (ig.utexas.edu/research/) and;
- names and contact information for three individuals willing to write letters of reference.
Applicants can send applications electronically as email attachment to PostDocUTIG@ig.utexas.edu. For full consideration, applications must be received by January 13, 2019.
4) Richard T. Buffler Postdoctoral Fellowship
About the fellowship
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for a special postdoctoral fellowship at the UT Institute for Geophysics, Jackson School of Geosciences. This fellowship honors Dr. Richard (Dick) T. Buffler, whose scientific research into the geology of the Gulf of Mexico underpins our current understanding of this prolific hydrocarbon basin and the unique confluence of structural and stratigraphic processes related to its formation and fill. Dick worked at UTIG from 1975 until his retirement in 2002, collecting and interpreting new seismic data from the Gulf basin. He also mentored 73 students many of whom produced Masters or PhD theses related to the Gulf (33), and he helped lead a major UTIG research effort in the GOM, the Gulf Basin Depositional Synthesis (GBDS) project, which has enjoyed 22+ years of continuous industry support under Dr. William E. Galloway and now its current director, Dr. John W. Snedden.
Qualifications
The successful applicant for this new position should have the following skills:
- Demonstrated research interest in basin-scale depositional systems, ranging from alluvial to deep-water, siliciclastics and carbonates, Pleistocene to base Mesozoic.
- Competence in seismic interpretation, including experience with 2D or 3D seismic workstation software
- Competence in geological interpretation of well logs
- Knowledge of biostratigraphy and use of fossil datums for correlation
- Excellent oral presentation and writing skills
- Experience with ArcGIS and other computer software (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.).
Essential Job Functions
- Identify and lead new research avenues in Gulf of Mexico depositional systems that support existing and future exploration efforts of the GBDS Industrial Associates.
- Generate scientific publications that enhance the technical reputation of UTIG, The Jackson School of Geosciences, (JSG) and The University of Texas at Austin.
- Conduct and present research to industrial associates with clarity and a deep understanding of their oil and gas industry challenges.
- Collaborate with UTIG and JSG researchers and faculty, where appropriate
- Mentor undergraduate and graduate students as appropriate
- Domestic Travel as needed
How to apply
The position will have two years of support and will be based in Austin, Texas. Interested persons should submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) that includes academic and professional experience, statement of research interests, and names and contact information of three references to PostDocUTIG@ig.utexas.edu. For full consideration, applications must be received no later than February 1, 2019.
5) 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.
6) Postdoctoral Position in Ocean Carbon Cycle
The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in equatorial oceanography and the ocean carbon cycle. UTIG, a research unit of the Jackson School of Geosciences at UT Austin, is known for international field programs in geophysics, planetary science, and Earth sciences.
Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will collaborate with Dr. Pedro DiNezio on an NSF-funded project studying ongoing and future changes in sea-air CO2 exchange over the tropical Pacific Ocean. This project will use a combination of existing and new Earth System Model (ESM) simulations to study the effects of increasing CO2, ocean circulation, warmer temperatures, and biology on equatorial outgassing of CO2. Model dependence of the results will be explored using existing output from CMIP models. The research will involve configuring, running, and analyzing climate model simulations, observational analysis, and the development of process-based diagnostics.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in climate dynamics, physical/chemical oceanography; ability analyzing large multi-model climate/oceanographic datasets; ability designing and performing climate model experiments using CESM or a similar model on a shared super-computing platform; experience using MATLAB, NCO, Python, or NCL; experience with UNIX shell scripting and Fortran.
- Written and oral communication skills sufficient to lead and author manuscripts and present research at conferences.
The initial appointment is for one year with a potential extension for an additional year. Starting date is flexible during winter/spring of 2019. Salary is $60,000 per year and appointees are eligible for group health and dental insurance. Limited support will be available for travel, equipment, and other research expenses.
Applications must contain:
- a current Curriculum Vitae (CV) that includes education, employment history, and publications;
- a concise statement of research interests and how they align with the study of the role of the tropical oceans in the carbon cycle; and
- names and contact information for three individuals willing to provide references.
Consideration of applications will begin February 1, 2019, and will continue until the position has been filled.
Applicants can send applications electronically as email attachment to PostDocUTIG@ig.utexas.edu. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr. Pedro DiNezio.
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).