Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow

About the role

UT Austin’s Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) in The Jackson School of Geosciences invites applications for its Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship program. This competitive institutional fellowship is open to recent PhD recipients conducting research in any area of earth and planetary sciences. Appointments are for two years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, with an expected start date immediately and continuation until August 31, 2028. The position is based at the Pickle Research Campus, requires 40 hours per week, and is exempt from FLSA. Prior to applying, prospective applicants are expected to identify and contact potential collaborators and mentors at UTIG to discuss research interests and explore collaboration opportunities. Fellowship recipients will join a vibrant community of postdoctoral researchers, students, research scientists, and faculty and are expected to pursue self‑directed research in any scientific subfield that aligns with or expands research directions at UTIG. Successful applicants will be offered a benefits‑eligible position with an annual salary of $72,000. The fellowship also provides $5,000 in discretionary funds for research and travel expenses, and up to $3,000 in one‑time relocation expenses. For full consideration, complete applications must be received by January 15, 2027; decisions are anticipated by mid‑March 2027. Questions about the fellowship may be directed to Cornelia Rasmussen (crasmussen@utexas.edu).

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in a field that aligns with or expands existing research directions at UTIG.
• Collaborate with researchers at UTIG and engage with the institute's broader scientific community.
• Present research results to the scientific community and the broader public.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in a relevant field awarded within three years of the position start date.
• At least one peer‑reviewed publication.
• Candidates will be evaluated based on their research qualifications, including prior research experience, conference participation, awards, proposal writing, publications, and community engagement; the creativity, independence, and feasibility of their proposed research project; and the potential of their research to expand and strengthen scientific directions at UTIG.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively with others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Benefits‑eligible position.
• $5,000 in discretionary funds for research and travel expenses.
• Up to $3,000 in one‑time relocation expenses.
• Retirement plan eligibility: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Program (ORP) subject to hours and length requirements.

Pay

Annual salary: $72,000.

Schedule

• Weekly scheduled hours: 40.
• FLSA status: Exempt.