Postdoctoral Associate - Earth Environmental Planetary Sciences

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation allowance

Research allowance

Job summary

Rice University’s Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences invites applications for the Pan Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. The on-site position in Houston, TX requires a PhD in geosciences or related field completed within the last three years, with a stipend of $68,000 plus a $5,000 discretionary research allowance and relocation support.

The candidate should propose a research plan aligning with EEPS faculty interests, demonstrate independence and originality, and commit

Qualifications

• PhD in geosciences or a closely related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organization and time management abilities.
• Familiarity with modern research methods and data analyses.
• Ability to write scholarly papers for peer‑reviewed journals.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop an independent valid research project with input from a faculty advisor.
• Document, analyze, and maintain research data.
• Assist with proposal development to secure funding.
• Mentor and train junior researchers and students.
• Publish and present research findings.
• Support collaboration across institutions and disciplines.

Skills

Geoscience research

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Oral communication

Collaborative work

Independent work

Education

PhD in geosciences or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences (EEPS) at Rice University ( eeps.rice.edu ) invites applications for the Pan Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. We seek candidates with independent research interests that intersect with one or more faculty within our department and who contribute positively to the Rice EEPS community, including its education and outreach efforts. Both domestic and international applicants are welcome. Upon starting the position, candidates must have received their PhD within the last three years. The research fellowship will be supported for two years---pending satisfactory progress during the first year---and includes an annual stipend of $68,000 with a benefits package, an annual discretionary research allowance of $5,000, and an allowance for re-location expenses. Applicants are requested to develop a proposal of research to be undertaken during the fellowship. The principal selection criteria are scientific excellence, the applicant’s record of research productivity, a clearly expressed research plan to address questions at the forefront of their field within EEPS, research synergies with at least one faculty, and a commitment to inclusive participation in science. The proposed research should explore new directions beyond the applicant’s Ph.D. Preference will be given to applicants whose proposals demonstrate independence and originality, along with the potential for collaboration with one or more EEPS faculty.

Workplace Requirements

On campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person in Houston, Texas. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

• Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

This position is funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Essential Functions

• Independently develops a valid research project with minor input from faculty advisor; actively pursues the research project within the time frame allowed
• Documents, analyzes, and maintains research data
• Assists with proposal development to obtain research funding
• Collaboratively mentors, oversees, and/or trains junior research team members
• Publishes and presents research findings
• Supports project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
• Designs and implements research protocols; adapts new procedures, methods or instrumentation relative to research procedures
• Provides academic services to the department (i.e., participates in seminars, visiting lecture in classes)
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in geosciences, geophysics, or a related field

Required Skills

• Knowledge of current geoscience practice and current active research
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills
• Organization and time management skills
• Knowledge of modern research methods, data collection, and analyses
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject discipline
• Ability to write scholarly papers for submission to peer-reviewed research journals
• Able to work in a collaborative environment
• Able to work independently and professionally with minimal supervision and direction

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.