The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to study the thermal and magnetic evolution of rocky planets like Mercury, Venus, Earth, the Moon, and Mars. The successful candidate would contribute to ongoing work to model and better characterize the physical and chemical conditions required to drive and sustain core dynamos inside rocky planets and/or to help investigate what remanent crustal magnetization can tell us about the magnetic histories of these bodies.

About the Position

Planetary magnetism is a fundamental and yet imperfectly understood process that is related to the deep internal structure and thermal evolution of planets. Computer modeling is an important tool to help advance our understanding of the thermal and magnetic histories and futures of rocky planets in our solar system and beyond. UTIG seeks a postdoctoral scholar who can contribute to ongoing work to better characterize the physical and chemical conditions required to drive and sustain core dynamos inside rocky planets and/or to help investigate what remanent crustal magnetization can tell us about the magnetic histories of these bodies.

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 related to thermal evolution, dynamo generation, and/or crustal magnetism.
• Contribute to ongoing research projects related to the magnetic evolution of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, the Moon, and rocky exoplanets.
• 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 rocky planets.
• Research experience related to the formation, differentiation, and thermal evolution of planetary interiors, especially rocky planets.

Salary Range

$65,000

How to Apply

Apply online at the UT Austin Staff Jobs website: R_00035474

Note: Current university employees must apply through MyWorkday: R_00035474 (requires UT EID).

Applications should include:

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

Please contact Douglas Hemingway (douglas.hemingway@utexas.edu) with questions about the position and application process.

The position is open now and will be filled when a suitable candidate is identified.