The Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin invites applications for two separate postdoctoral fellowship programs. These highly competitive institutional awards are open to recent doctorates (degree within the past 5 years) in Earth, atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric and planetary sciences or allied fields. Appointments are for two years, contingent upon performance. Recipients of this fellowship will join a vibrant community of postdocs, students and faculty where they are expected to pursue self-directed research in any scientific subfield. The two separate, but complementary programs are:
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) Excellence in Earth & Planetary Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship
EPS is the academic unit of the Jackson School, and hosts researchers in a broad array of fields in the Earth and planetary sciences (https://eps.jsg.utexas.edu/research/). Applicants are evaluated based on their past research contributions and how the proposed work complements or expands ongoing research within EPS. We are also interested in candidates who are dedicated to improving their professional environment through contributive service (e.g., organizing a successful conference workshop, running a reading seminar for graduate students, participating in graduate student governance).
University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
UTIG is a research unit of the Jackson School known for research excellence, integrative science efforts, and international field programs in geophysics (solid earth, marine, polar), climate science, planetary science, and energy geoscience (ig.utexas.edu/research/). Applicants are evaluated on how the proposed work complements or expands ongoing research at UTIG and their scientific leadership potential (e.g. organizing sessions at meetings, contributions to team science or white papers). Examples of past fellowship recipients can be found at ig.utexas.edu/about/institutional-postdoctoral-research-fellows/.
Applications must contain:
1) Cover Letter (1 page) describing the applicant’s research interests and past work, and addressing how they meet the criteria of the specific position(s) (see above); clearly indicate if interested in being considered for EPS, UTIG or both postings 2) a Curriculum Vitae that includes education, employment history, publications (including dois), and record of any extramural funding; 3) a two-page research proposal (including figures, excluding references) stating research interests and specific plans for their fellowship; and 4) names and contact information for three individuals willing to write letters of reference.
Collaboration and mentorship are vital aspects of this position, and applicants must identify potential mentors and research groups within UTIG and/or EPS with whom they intend to work. We strongly encourage applicants to connect with these researchers prior to application to explore potential collaborative areas. In their research proposal, applicants should clearly identify the specific researchers with whom they plan to collaborate (including identifying which unit those researchers are in, UTIG or EPS) and address how their research will complement, expand, and/or benefit from ongoing work within that group(s). Cross-unit collaboration is encouraged at the Jackson School, and applicants that identify prospective mentors in both UTIG and EPS should clearly indicate as such, in which case they will be considered for both programs.
Successful applicants may take up residence as early as May 1, 2025. Salary is $72,000 per year and appointees are eligible for benefits; the appointment also comes with discretionary funds of $5,000 for research and travel expenses, as well as one-time relocation expenses of up to $3,000.
For full consideration, applications must be received by January 15, 2025. We anticipate that decisions will be made and communicated with candidates by mid-March, 2025.
Purpose
To conduct independent research in Earth, atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric and planetary sciences or allied fields.
Responsibilities
- Conduct independent research in any field Sciences that aligns with or expands upon existing research initiatives in the host unit (EPS and/or UTIG).
- Collaboration and mentorship are vital aspects of this position, and applicants must identify potential mentors and research groups within the department
- Organize successful conference workshops, run a reading seminar for graduate students, organize a departmental colloquium, or participate in graduate student governance.
Required Qualifications
PhD in a relevant field (Earth, marine, and planetary sciences or allied disciplines), must have been received within three years from the start date of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to perform independent research as well as collaborate effectively. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Salary Range
$72,000
Working Conditions
- May work around standard office conditions and in laboratories;
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
- Use of manual dexterity.
- Climbing of stairs and walking between buildings inside UT Austin campus.
- Lifting and moving.
Required Materials
- Cover Letter (1 page) describing the applicant’s research interests and past work, and addressing how they meet the criteria of the specific position(s) (see above); clearly indicate if interested in being considered for EPS, UTIG or both postings
- Curriculum Vitae that includes education, employment history, publications (including dois), and record of any extramural funding
- A two-page research proposal (including figures, excluding references) stating research interests and specific plans for their fellowship
- Names and contact information for three individuals willing to write letters of reference
