VISITING SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Collaborate with a vibrant community of geophysical researchers investigating everything from natural hazards and climate change to finding new energy sources and searching space for signs of habitability.
The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) invites applications for its Visiting Scholar Program. We seek to host scientists from the early-career faculty or researcher to senior scholar level for research visits to UTIG to foster new and strengthen existing collaborations and enhance scientific discourse. Visits may last from a few weeks to as long as several months.
Applications from both US-based and international scholars are encouraged.
Expectations
Applicants should identify and contact one or more prospective UTIG hosts when developing their research plan and application, which should address the following criteria:
- Scientific Rationale — what scientific questions are to be addressed during the visit, and how does the proposed research complement or expand on research initiatives at UTIG?
- Partnership Building — what is the long-term vision for continued engagement between researchers, groups, and/or institutions during and after the proposed visit? Examples include development of proposals or other joint projects.
- Engagement Plan — how will you contribute to UTIG’s mission, which includes training of students and postdocs, during your visit? Example activities may include seminars and short courses.
The expectations regarding each of these criteria differ depending on the length of stay and the type of visit. Applicants can reach out to the committee chair with questions.
Visiting Scholars
This competitive visitor program provides support for scholarly exchange. As a UTIG Visiting Scholar, you will have access to the diverse and bustling UT Austin campus and the city of Austin itself, an ideal place to cultivate your research ideas.
UTIG will provide support for travel and living expenses in Austin. Budget details will be discussed with successful applicants upon notification of receiving the award.
Successful applicants may take up residence at UTIG as early as June 2025.
How to Apply
Applications must contain:
- a concise, two-page proposal (including figures, excluding references) describing the proposed research and rationale for conducting it at UTIG or at the target institute;
- CV;
- narrative description of anticipated travel costs (e.g., house versus apartment, will you need a rental car, any dependent care needs);
- one-page letters of support from UTIG hosts.
Applications will be evaluated twice annually beginning January 15, 2025. A second review of applications will begin July 15, 2025.
Note: Before uploading your documents, please include your first name, last name and the year you are applying for in the filename. For example, Firstname.Lastname-CV-2025.pdf. If you experience difficulties with the uploader please contact hr@ig.utexas.edu.
Questions
Contact the committee chair, Harm Van Avendonk, harm@ig.utexas.edu.
UTIG at a Glance
As a unit of the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin, UTIG is known for research excellence, integrative science, and international field programs in:
- solid Earth geophysics
- cryospheric, climate, and polar science
- planetary dynamics and habitability
- marine geophysics
- energy geoscience
Learn more about UTIG research. Read the latest UTIG news.
Who are we and what do we do?
Learn more about our mission here and read about some of our recent research below.
