Postdoctoral Researcher (Icy Ocean World Interiors

Ocean Worlds; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to study the interiors of icy ocean worlds such as Enceladus, Titan, Europa, and Ganymede. The position emphasizes computer modeling, collaboration with UTIG and UT Jackson School researchers, and the chance to initiate independent projects with mentorship.

The appointment is up to two years with a negotiable start date.

Qualifications

• PhD in planetary science, physics, astronomy, geophysics, or related field completed within the last three years.
• Strong background in mathematics and programming (Matlab or similar preferred).
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working mindset.
• Strong publication record in closely related research topics.

Responsibilities

• Develop computer models of geodynamical processes in planetary interiors, especially icy ocean worlds.
• Contribute to ongoing research projects related to the interiors of Enceladus, Titan, Europa, and Ganymede.
• Help develop and lead new research projects in related areas.
• Contribute to research within a vibrant group of students, postdocs, and staff.
• Present results to the scientific community and broader public.

Skills

Physics background

Mathematics background

Collaborative work style

Communication skills

Programming

Education

Ph.D. in planetary science, physics, astronomy, geophysics, or related field

Tools

Matlab

Programming

Job description

Internal structure of Saturn’s small moon Enceladus as estimated by Hemingway & Mittal (2019). Image credit: Doug Hemingway / NASA / JPL / Space Science Institute

The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to study the interiors of icy ocean worlds such as Enceladus, Titan, Europa, and Ganymede. The successful candidate would contribute to ongoing work to model and better characterize the interiors of these bodies, the geophysical processes that drive their evolution and behavior, and particularly the structure and dynamics of their icy shells.

About the Position

Icy ocean worlds, which include bodies like Enceladus, Titan, Europa, and Ganymede, constitute a fascinating and important class of planetary bodies that we are just beginning to understand. Computer modeling is an important tool to help advance our understanding of the interiors of these bodies and the geophysical processes that drive their evolution and behavior. UTIG seeks a postdoctoral scholar who can contribute to ongoing work to better understand the interiors of these bodies, particularly the structure and dynamics of their icy shells.

The successful candidate would work primarily with Douglas Hemingway but will have opportunities to collaborate with other researchers at UTIG, across the Jackson School of Geosciences, and across the wider UT campus. Candidates should be self-motivated and interested in a collaborative working environment, which may include working closely with faculty, students, and other postdoctoral researchers. Candidates should have a strong background in physics and mathematics as well as expertise in geophysics, geodynamics, geochemistry, and/or computer modeling (experience with Matlab or similar is preferred, but not required). In addition to supporting ongoing work at UTIG, the successful candidate will be encouraged to initiate and lead their own projects with support from Dr. Hemingway and other researchers.

The appointment is for up to two years, contingent on performance, with a negotiable start date. The successful candidate will have access to up to $10,000 to be used towards research expenses and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Develop computer models of geodynamical processes in planetary interiors, especially icy ocean worlds.
• Contribute to ongoing research projects related to the interiors of Enceladus, Titan, Europa, and Ganymede.
• Help develop and lead new research projects in related areas.
• Contribute to research within a vibrant group of students, postdocs, and staff.
• Present results to the scientific community and broader public.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in planetary science, physics, astronomy, geophysics, or a related field, completed within the last three years.
• Strong background in mathematics and programming (Matlab or similar preferred).
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working mindset.
• Strong publication record in closely related research topics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience with modeling planetary interiors, especially icy ocean worlds.
• Research experience related to the formation, differentiation, and thermal evolution of planetary interiors, especially icy moons.

Salary Range

$65,000