Postdoctoral Research Associate in Vadose Zone and Groundwater Hydrology

Job Posting Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Vadose Zone and Groundwater Hydrology

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Hiring Department:

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until May 31, 2026

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

A postdoctoral research position is available in the Department of Earth Science and Planetary Science at the University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences under the supervision of Professors Jay Banner and Daniella Rempe. The research associate will study groundwater recharge processes, including aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) and managed aquifer recharge (MAR), as a means of securing water supply under climate change. The research could involve synthesis of existing datasets, field experiments, and groundwater modeling and will leverage local field sites. The position will also involve engagement with graduate and undergraduate students, including mentorship opportunities. It is expected that the candidate will be productive in writing—inclusive of manuscripts and grant proposals. This position is a one-year contract with up to two years renewal possible upon successful completion of year one.

Purpose

To study groundwater recharge processes, including aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) and managed aquifer recharge (MAR), as a means of securing water supply under climate change.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific analysis of karst hydrologic systems including assessment of potential for ASR and MAR

• Conduct field, laboratory, and computational modeling of karst hydrologic systems.

• Collaborate with stakeholders in academia and other professional entities.

• Contribute to mentorship of graduate and undergeraduate students.

• Lead writing of peer-reviewed publistyions and present findings at scientific conferences.

• Contribute information for 3 academic references.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in geoscience, environmental science or a related field (ABD applicants are acceptable). Applicants must complete a Ph.D. before starting but be no more than three years past their doctoral degree date. 

• Research expertise in chemical and physical hydrogeology.

• Strong publication and/or grant writing record. 

• Strong collaborative and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• We are particularly interested in applicants who have demonstrated the ability or potential to apply their expertise in expertise in chemical and physical hydrogeology to ASR and/or MAR.

Salary Range

$65,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions.

• Repetitive use of keyboard at a workstation.

• Work in analytical laboratories.

• Travel to field sites.

• Occasional weekend, overtime and evening work to meet deadlines.

Required Materials

• Cover letter: A letter of interest in the position.  

• Research interests (400-500 words). Include previous and/or potential contributions to physical modeling and geochemical evolution of groundwater.

• CV: A current CV that includes education and employment history, publications, and awards. Must include month and year that Ph.D. was awarded or the expected completion date.

• Contact information for 3 academic references.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Background Checks:

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

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer , complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
• E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031 .

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.