The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG), part of the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin, invites applications for a graduate student (PhD) researcher to study the magnetic evolution of rocky planets. Geoscience doctoral programs are based at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences in the Jackson School of Geosciences, ranked one of the best geophysics graduate programs in the US.

About the Project

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 planets in our solar system and beyond. UTIG seeks a graduate student 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 under the supervision of Dr. Douglas Hemingway but will have opportunities to collaborate with other researchers at UTIG and across the Jackson School of Geosciences. Candidates should be self-motivated and suited to a collaborative working environment, which may include working closely with other students and postdoctoral researchers. Candidates should have a strong background in physics and mathematics and experience with computer programming (experience with Matlab or similar is ideal).

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.

Required Skills

• Strong background in mathematics and programming (Matlab or similar preferred).
• Excellent communication skills and a growth mindset.

Supervisor

The graduate student researcher will be supervised by Dr. Douglas Hemingway.

How to Apply

Inquiries about the position should be sent to douglas.hemingway@utexas.edu.

This is a graduate student research project for graduate students enrolled at the Jackson School’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Applicants from other UT Austin degree programs may also be considered. For more information on how to apply to a graduate program visit the Jackson School website or UT Austin Graduate School.