Postdoctoral Research Scientist Associate - Environmental Science Institute (JSG)

Job Details

Purpose

The Environmental Science Institute at UT Austin is seeking motivated and skilled individuals to support research on water science and paleoenvironments. The position involves conducting and supervising interdisciplinary scientific research related to geochemistry, water quality, paleoclimate, and urban hydrology. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing the group’s broader goals in understanding environmental change.

Responsibilities

Conduct scientific research and support student-led research projects across interdisciplinary topics, with a focus on :

Urban streams and impacts on water quality

Karst systems and speleothems

Tree ring environmental reconstructions

Perform geoscience and geochemical investigations including the analysis radiogenic and stable isotopes, trace elements, and emerging contaminants in water, soil, rock, and trees.

Develop and analyze proxy-based paleoenvironmental reconstructions.

Contribute to research focused on surface water, aquifers, cave systems, climate variability, paleo-environments, and the resilience of water resources in urban and rural communities.

Participate in field sampling and monitoring campaigns, laboratory-based geochemical analysis, and modeling research activities.

Collaborate with laboratory managers, graduate and undergraduate students, and community members.

Prepare and publish scientific papers to disseminate research findings.

Identify grant opportunities and lead the development and submission of research proposals and budgets to federal, state, and nonprofit funding agencies.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in geosciences or related discipline, with a focus on geochemistry, hydrology, and paleoclimate.

Proven experience in one of the following :

conducting and interpreting analyses of natural waters and carbonate geochemistry, including radiogenic and / or stable isotope measurements.

paleoclimate reconstruction and analysis using proxies from speleothems and / or trees.

Strong scientific writing skills, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.

Excellent communication and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

A publication record in isotope geochemistry, urban hydrology, and / or paleoclimate.

Research experience involving speleothems and cave systems, particularly in the context of reconstructing Late Pleistocene to Holocene climate variability.

Research experience involving tree ring analysis in streamflow and drought reconstructions, including application of blue intensity analysis.

Familiarity with hydrogeologic processes in urban environments and karst environments and their relevance to climate and water quality studies.

Experience in advanced data analysis and quantitative methods, including Proxy System Modeling and time series analysis.

Experience collaborating in interdisciplinary research settings and mentoring students on projects on water resources, paleoclimate, emerging contaminants, and / or sustainable urban systems.

Participatory research experience

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing). Driving a UT and personal vehicle is an essential function of the position.

Salary Range

65,000 - $75,000, depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

This position is primarily based in laboratory and office settings, with an emphasis on geochemical analysis, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation. The role involves extensive use of computers and scientific instrumentation for geochemical and isotopic analyses.

Fieldwork will be required periodically, including visits to caves, springs, aquifers, streams, and other urban and rural environments. Field activities may involve multiday travel and working in confined spaces or rugged terrain (such as cave environments).

The position may involve :

Extended periods of time working at a computer or laboratory bench.

Handling of geological, biological, and water samples, and operation of precision instruments and analytical equipment.

Occasional lifting of materials or equipment (up to ~40 lbs).

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for laboratory and field safety.

Required Materials

Letter of interest

CV / Resume

3 references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Important   for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers :  You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers :  As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility :

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Retirement Plan Eligibility :

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks :

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.