The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to study the carbon cycle in the Arctic Permafrost. UTIG, which is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin, is known for research excellence, integrative science efforts and international field programs in geophysics.

Successful applicants will have expertise in multiphase flow multicomponent reactive transport in porous media, describing those processes using partial differential equations, and modeling those processes in Matlab or Python.

This individual will work with Kehua You on a recently funded NSF project. The successful candidate will develop numerical model and conduct numerical experiments to explore the source and magnitude of greenhouse gas emissions at Arctic continental shelves. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs and research scientists who are conducting related field work and laboratory experiments.

About the Position

Subsea permafrost was formed during past glacial periods. Sea level rise since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) has flooded and warmed this permafrost, causing it to melt and release methane from the seabed.
The ideal candidate will contribute to the development of an advanced multiphase multicomponent numerical simulator and conduct numerical experiments to explore the coupled thermal, hydraulic, and biogeochemical processes occurring within the thawing permafrost.

Ultimately, the successful candidate will predict transient seabed methane emissions at the Arctic continental shelves, from the LGM to 200 years from now, and predict the volume of gas emissions entering the Arctic atmosphere. Besides collaboration with a vibrant group at UT, there will be collaborations with scientists from national laboratories and other universities.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the further development of a multiphase multicomponent reactive transport numerical model for predicting carbon cycle in permafrost.
• Conduct numerical experiments to explore the coupled physics that lead to permafrost melting and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Compile and analyze Arctic environmental data for model inputs and results analysis.
• Contribute to research within a vibrant and diverse group of students, postdocs, and researchers working on carbon cycle in the Arctic across UT.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geosciences, Hydrogeology, Civil Engineering, Petroleum Engineering or a related field within the last three years. Competence and experience with programming in languages like Python or MATLAB and a track record of publication in the field is also required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience with fluid flow and mass transport in porous media using analytical or numerical modeling.

Salary Range

$65,000 + depending on qualifications.

How to Apply

Apply online at the UT Austin Staff Jobs website: R_00033154

Note: Current university employees must apply through MyWorkday: R_00033154 (requires UT EID).

Applicants should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Brief (1-2 page) statement of interest
• Three references