Postdoctoral Researcher (Icy Ocean World Interiors)

The University of Texas at Austin; United States; On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Tuition assistance

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Icy Ocean World Interiors at UTIG. The role focuses on computer modeling of interiors of icy bodies like Enceladus, Titan, Europa, and Ganymede, under Dr.

Douglas Hemingway, with opportunities to collaborate across the Jackson School and UT. Ideal candidates have a PhD in a related field, strong math and programming skills, and a track record of publications in geophysics or planetary science; start

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.
• Excellent communication and collaborative mindset.
• Strong publication record in closely related topics.

Responsibilities

• Develop computer models of geodynamical processes in planetary interiors, especially icy ocean worlds.
• Contribute to ongoing research on interiors of Enceladus, Titan, Europa, and Ganymede.
• Help develop and lead new research projects in related areas.
• Collaborate with students, postdocs, and staff; present results to the scientific community.

Skills

Mathematics

Programming

Geophysics

Education

Ph.D. in planetary science/physics/astronomy/geophysics

Tools

Matlab

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher (Icy Ocean World Interiors)

Job Posting Title: Postdoctoral Researcher (Icy Ocean World Interiors) ---- Hiring Department: Institute for Geophysics ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt ---- Earliest Start Date: Jan 01, 2026 ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2028 ---- Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

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.

Your skills will make a difference. You will be working for a university that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. You will be part of an international effort at the forefront of advancing the energy transition. You will be part of a vibrant university experience that interweaves students, engineering and support staff and senior scientists. You will be part of a team, launching young people on their careers and advancing fundamental and applied science.

UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package including:

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Hybrid work schedule
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

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 Dr. 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 position is open now and will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. Start date is negotiable. The appointment is for up to two years, contingent on performance. 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.

Working Conditions

May work around standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Salary

$65,000

Required Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (including list of publications)
• Brief (~2 page) statement of research interests
• Contact information for three references

Employment Eligibility

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

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Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and the Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus