Student Research Opportunities
The Jackson School has undergraduate and graduate student opportunities for research among our different themes and disciplines.
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Students/postdocs on ML/AI-based earthquake data analysis (Graduate)
I am looking for self-motivated graduate students and postdocs who are interested in research on advanced earthquake data analysis using ML/AL.
Posted by: Yangkang Chen -
CRESSLE: Community Resilience integrated into an Earth System Science Learning Ecosystem (NSF Cultural Transformation of the Geoscience Community Program) (Graduate)
CRESSLE represents an emerging approach to environmental resilience that emphasizes bidirectional learning between universities and communities. These teams will comprise a 'Community of Practice' to design and implement research projects addressing community challenges and Environmental Justice in three themes: Water Resources, Climate Resilience, and Communities & Landscapes.
Posted by: Jay Banner
More Info -
Ph.D. Project Greece - Petrochronology and tectonic evolution of the Cycladic Blueschist Complex (University of Texas at Austin) (Graduate)
Ph.D. project available in the Stockli Research Group and UTChron Laboratory of the Dept of Earth and Planetary Sciences (https://eps.jsg.utexas.edu/) at the Jackson School of Geosciences (https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/) of The University of Texas at Austin. The project focuses on the tectonic and metamorphic evolution of the Cycladic Blueschist Complex in central and northern Greece to constrain the tectonic and metamorphic evolution of one of the world's best-exposed subduction complexes. The project entails field mapping and structural analysis with strong emphasis on accessory mineral (zircon, apatite, titanite) LA-ICP-MS petrochronology, microanalytical mineral imaging and elemental and isotopic mapping, and low-temperature (U-Th)/He thermochronometry of the Cycladic Blueschist Complex in central and north-eastern Greece with the goal of constraining the pre-subduction, subduction, and exhumation history of Cycladic blueschists and understanding subduction underplating within the Hellenic subduction complex. The project is a collaboration with the University of Athens (Prof. Soukis) and we are seek an outstanding, motivated, and independent PhD student with interested in combining field and cutting-edge laboratory work.
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Daniel Stockli with any inquiries and questions regarding the project or application procedures. For more information regarding the Stockli Research Group (https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/stockli-group/), the UTChron Laboratory (https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/utchron-lab/) please see these website links.
Applications are due January 1, 2024, and information about applying to our program is online using the online application from the Graduate School of the University of Texas at Austin. Applications must be complete in the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) by the appropriate deadline. ALL ITEMS must be received by the deadline. We no longer require submission of a GRE score for the application for the Fall of 2024, however, international applicants do require submission of TOEFL scores.
For general admissions questions, please see https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/education/graduate/admissions/
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the most diverse campuses in the nation. With nearly 52,000 students from all 50 states and 123 countries, we take seriously our motto: What Starts Here Changes the World. We boast 18 colleges and schools with over 300 degree programs, representing a diversity of thought and scholarship that is staggering. The Dept. of Geological Sciences at UT seeks to foster an environment where faculty, students, and staff feel valued and welcome.
Posted by: Daniel Stockli -
MSc or PhD Student (Graduate)
Our team is almost always interested in recruiting new graduate students who are interested in paleoecology, marine communities, carbonate sedimentology, and/or geobiology. We currently have teo areas of focus, modern and Pleistocene reef and coastal communities in Jamaica and Early Jurassic marine paleoecology in Morocco
Posted by: Rowan Martindale -
Carbon Cpature and Geologic Storage (Undergraduate)
The Gulf Coast Carbon Center often engages with undergradutes in geology, EER, and petroleum engineering on topic related to carbon capture and geologic storage (CCS).
Posted by: Tip Meckel
More Info -
Offshore CO2 Storage (Graduate)
Current DOE grant to study CO2 storage options in the Gulf of Mexico offshore Corpus Christi, Texas.
Posted by: Tip Meckel -
Carbon Cycle in Arctic Permafrost (Graduate)
I am looking for a new graduate student who is interested in research on carbon cycle in Arctic Permafrost.
Posted by: Kehua You -
Ph.D. Opportunities in Environmental Seismology and Energy Transition (Graduate)
My 4D Seismology group is looking for self-motivated Ph.D. students interested in applying seismic analysis to understand Earth's physical processes associated with climate change and energy transition. Potential research topics focus on fluid/vapor systems in Earth's shallow subsurface, including hydrological processes, geothermal energy exploitation, carbon capture and storage, critical-zone processes, and volcanic unrest. Students in our group will develop and employ cutting-edge seismological techniques (such as passive seismic interferometry and coda-wave imaging) to study the spatiotemporal evolution and physical mechanisms of subsurface processes. Please contact shujuan.c.mao AT gmail.com for further info.
Posted by: Shujuan Mao -
Ice sheet dynamics (Graduate)
I am searching for PhD students interested in ice sheet evolution and glacial dynamics. Students will develop numerical modeling skills and apply those tools to explore geologically informed questions about the Earth system. Potential research topics include Antarctic ice sheet stability during past warm periods; interactions between Northern and Southern Hemisphere ice sheets; long-term ice sheet cyclicity; surface meltwater processes; and reconstructing the behavior of Antarctic outlet glaciers and marine-terminating ice during the last deglaciation.
Posted by: Anna Halberstadt -
UTIG Undergraduate Research Opportunities Fellowship in "Sediment Microplastics in Austin's Waterways" (Undergraduate)
The UTIG Undergraduate Research Opportunities Fellowship in "Sediment Microplastics in Austin's Waterways" is open to third and fourth year JSG undergraduates for the fall, 2023 semester (September-December). Fellowship recipients will process sediment samples from Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake to extract microplastics (at the sedimentary lab at Pickle Research Campus) as part of a baseline study funded by UTIG and the City of Austin. The project includes optional opportunities for local field work, independent research projects, and publication. Get involved!
Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of $500/month. No experience necessary! To apply, email resume and brief statement of interest to Marcy Davis (marcy@ig.utexas.edu) and Cornel Olariu (cornelo@jsg.utexas.edu). Please include your major, year in school, and contact information in the body of the email.
Posted by: Cornel Olariu -
PhD opportunity in Subduction Zone Seafloor Geodesy and Megathrust Processes (Graduate)
We are currently seeking a PhD student to join the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) and Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences in the Jackson School of Geosciences, at The University of Texas at Austin. This NSF-funded project focuses on the analysis of data from borehole observatories installed at the offshore Hikurangi subduction zone in New Zealand, to investigate slow slip event processes on the plate boundary. The student working on this project will have the opportunity to collaborate with a broad team of principal investigators, postdocs and students addressing the interplay between hydrological, geochemical, and deformation processes and their relationship to earthquake and slow slip occurrence at subduction zones. The student will also have opportunities to participate in seagoing research voyages, and be part of a vibrant subduction geophysics and geomechanics research program at UTIG that includes deep expertise in marine geophysics, seafloor geodesy, numerical modeling, laboratory experimentation, geomechanics, fault geology, and ocean drilling.
For information please contact Laura Wallace (lwallace@utexas.edu) and Demian Saffer (demian.saffer@austin.utexas,edu).
All applications must be submitted by the appropriate deadline (December 1st 2022 for priority and fellowship consideration, and January 1st for all applications). See https://gradschool.utexas.edu/admissions/how-to-apply. More information about the application process can be found at The University of Texas at Austin, Jackson School of Geosciences admissions portal: http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/education/graduate/admissions/.
For additional information concerning the application process, contact the Jackson School of Geosciences graduate Program Coordinator, Philip Guerrero: philipg@jsg.utexas.edu.
Posted by: Demian Saffer -
Mantle and Fault System Dynamics Graduate Research (Graduate)
The UT Geodynamics Team is always looking for motivated graduate and undergraduate students.
The University of Texas at Austin hosts an exciting and diverse community of researchers at the Jackson School of Geoscience, which includes the UTIG and DGS units with which I am affiliated. At UT, we are colocated and collaborate with a number of others, including at the Texas Advanced Computing Center and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences.
We are always looking for motivated students with a keen interest and solid background in the Earth sciences, physics, engineering, or computer science. Please take a look at some of our recent publications to give you an idea of current projects, but I like to work with students who think and work independently and challenge and extend my expertise and interests.
Please consider applying for our program should you be interested in pursuing a PhD in my research group, and see the JSG pages for admission procedures. The (important) Fellowship deadline is December 1 each year. If you think this could be a match, please do reach out by email.
Posted by: Thorsten Becker
More Info - MTMOD Megathrust modeling framework (Undergraduate)
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Summer intern/undergrad job Summer 2023 at TACC (Undergraduate)
The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) is seeking a summer intern to join the HighPerformance Computing group for the Summer 2023. The position is supported by the
Seismic COmputational Platform for Empowering Discovery (SCOPED) project funded by
NSF. The intern will primarily work on polishing and writing documents of the software tools
supported by SCOPED. The tools are written in Python and C++, so basic understanding of
these languages will be helpful. Additionally, experience with docker containers is preferred.
Responsibilities:
• Review and revise existing documents of software tools and containers
• Find and correct any issues in the documentation
• Improve the wording and presentation of the documents
• Work collaboratively with the development team to ensure accuracy and consistency
in the documents
Requirements:
• Must be currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program at UT
• Basic understanding of Python and C/C++ languages
• Familiarity with docker containers is preferred
• Exceptional precision and accuracy when reviewing and editing documents to ensure
they are error-free.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the development team
• Background in Seismology is a plus
Required Materials
• Resume
• Letter of interest
To apply, please send your resume and letter to Ian Wang (iwang@tacc.utexas.edu) via
emails before Apr 15, 2023. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage
individuals from underrepresented groups to apply
Posted by: Thorsten Becker -
Sedimentological characterization along the North Slope of Alaska (Undergraduate)
The Arctic is melting! How will the earth’s frozen surface and subsurface respond to a warming world? We are looking for a summer student intern (fully paid) to help us characterize the geology of Arctic seabed in northernmost Alaska. The project is funded by Sandia National Labs and provides the student with an opportunity to interact with a potential future employer while enhancing our climate security. The student will be introduced to a diverse array of data types including seismic reflection, core data, and remote sensing observations. This work will provide the broader UT-Austin and Sandia team with a better understanding of Arctic shelf geology and help guide planning efforts for future site surveys and data collection. Results will impact decisions and serve as excellent exposure to problem solving in the field of geosciences.
Posted by: Matthew Malkowski -
Geomechanics and Geofluids Research Jobs for Undergrads (Undergraduate)
Do you want to study the Earth while learning the ins-and-outs of cutting-edge laboratory equipment, from maintenance to experiment design? UT GeoMechanics and GeoFluids investigates fluid flow and deformation in Earth materials using lab experiments, field work, and computer modeling.
We seek hard-working and detail-oriented students with a passion for learning. You will assist with ongoing projects: offshoots could lead to your senior thesis.
Tasks will include everything from the routine to the experimentally complex. You will work independently or with staff and researchers on experimental setup, equipment maintenance, laboratory clean up, sample preparation, data analysis, and a host of other tasks.
For more information contact Josh O'Connell.
Learn more about our research projects at UT GeoMechanics and GeoFluids.
Posted by: Peter Flemings
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Graduate student positions in geomechanics and geofluids (Graduate)
The GeoMechanics and GeoFluids research group has immediate opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral study. Drs. Saffer and Flemings are most enthused by students who have a commitment to a doctoral program because that allows time to delve deeply into research. However, we also regularly accept exceptional M.S. students into our research group. If you are interested, please email Demian Saffer (demian@ig.utexas.edu) or Peter Flemings (pflemings@jsg.utexas.edu).
Browse opportunities and learn more about our research group at UT GeoMechanics and GeoFluids.
Posted by: Peter Flemings
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Geoscience Undergraduate Research Assistant (Undergraduate)
The position entails working as an Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) as part of a research team in support of an oil and gas industry funded project which focuses on the depositional history of the Gulf of Mexico. URAs work with geophysical data, geographic information systems, geosoftware and scientific literature to accomplish GBDS research goals.
The undergraduate research assistant duties include:
1. Editing, geo-referencing and digitizing geologic maps in ArcGIS;
2. Locating and accessing geologic data (well, paleontological, and seismic);
3. Assisting with data management for multiple databases;
4. Creation of LAS files by digitizing well logs data;
5. Assisting with literature searches and reference organization;
6. Working with geologic core and samples;
7. Word processing and creation and editing of spreadsheets;
8. Computer illustration of figures and cross-sections;
9. Printing and binding project reports;
10. Clerical assistance as necessary.
There are opportunities for independent research projects. The advantages of being an undergraduate research assistant include getting exposure to software and coding (Excel, ArcGIS, Neuralog, Landmark, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Python, VBA), building industry connections and gaining academic research experience.
How to apply
Interested students should contact Summer Li.
Posted by: John Snedden
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Postdocs opportunities at OCEEMlab (Graduate)
OCEEMlab welcomes applicants via UTIG's Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellows Program. At OCEEMlab, we study lithosphere-biosphere dynamic processes and complex systems using a combination of fieldwork, advanced computational modeling, and integrative data science. We are especially interested in bringing on board individuals with interdisciplinary knowledge who are highly motivated in weaving disciplines such as geophysics, geology, oceanography, geochemistry, and environmental molecular biology to address contemporary challenging research questions. Contact Dr. Attias for further information.
Posted by: Eric Attias
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Graduate opportunities at OCEEMlab (Graduate)
OCEEMlab welcomes future graduate students of high caliber who are passionate about exploring new frontiers in Ocean and Earth science. At OCEEMlab, we study lithosphere-biosphere dynamic processes and complex systems using a combination of fieldwork, advanced computational modeling, and integrative data science. We seek candidates with solid foundations in natural sciences and programming skills. We are especially interested in bringing on board individuals with interdisciplinary knowledge who are highly motivated in weaving disciplines such as geophysics, geology, oceanography, geochemistry, and environmental molecular biology to address contemporary challenging research questions. Most importantly, in the core values of OCEEMlab lies courtesy to one another, encouraging natural curiosity, and cohesive teamwork; As a team, we can achieve far more than individuals. In addition, we firmly believe that groundbreaking discoveries are accomplished by walking on the fringes of science rather than at the center. Thus, we encourage unorthodox genuine thinkers to join our team and help us stretch the envelope of human knowledge a tiny bit further.
Posted by: Eric Attias
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Paleoclimate reconstructions and modern hydrology of karst systems (NSF Paleo Perspectives on Climate Change Program) (Graduate)
Our group reconstructs regional climate change in response to global change using speleothems and tree rings. These studies are advanced by analysis of modern karst hydrologic systems in which the speleothems are found. New opportunities for graduate research in this area are available for students applying for Fall admission. Contact Jay Banner at banner@jsg.utexas.edu.
Posted by: Jay Banner -
Urbanization and water resources (NSF Hydrologic Sciences Program) (Graduate)
Our group studies the impacts of urbanization on hydrologic systems using geochemical, field, laboratory, and modeling methods. New opportunities for graduate research in this area are available for students applying for Fall admission. Contact Jay Banner at banner@jsg.utexas.edu.
Posted by: Jay Banner -
Analyzing seismic data using machine learning techniques (Undergraduate)
Seismic recordings are used to detect earthquakes and to create images of the Earth’s interior. Seismic data contain rich patterns that can be discovered for extracting detailed information. Newly developed machine learning techniques aid in the discovery process. Deep learning has been used to detect arrivals of seismic signals from earthquakes and volcano eruptions and to extract from subsurface images such features, as faults, channels, salt bodies, etc. In detecting geological features, computational algorithms prove to be as powerful or even more powerful than the human eye, especially in higher dimensions.
In this project, we are adopting the latest ideas from the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve the resolution ability of seismic images. Our objective is to advance the state of the art in discovering seismic data patterns. The approaches include unsupervised learning for analyzing seismic waveforms and compressing data in the transformed domain and supervised learning for teaching the computer how to imitate the work of human interpreters.
We are seeking an enthusiastic student to participate in this project. The student will develop data-analysis skills and contribute to an open-source software project. Some prior familiarity with seismology and machine learning, as well as some prior experience with computer programming using Python are helpful but not required
Posted by: Sergey Fomel -
Research Inner-Space Cavern fossils (Paleontology) (Undergraduate)
Dedicated, enthusiastic undergraduate student(s) sought to help work on fossils from Inner Space Cavern in Williamson County, Texas. Student(s) will help with screen-washing, sorting, identifying, and curating vertebrate fossils from Ice-Age sediments in the cave. Students will learn aspects of the anatomy of the vertebrate skeleton as they contribute to studying patterns of vertebrate diversity through time in the context of climate change. Potential opportunities exist for motivated students to pursue independent supervised research related to the main questions associated with this project. Projects begin in the Fall, 2022 semester. Interested students should contact John Moretti (jamoretti@utexas.edu) and Chris Bell (cjbell@jsg.utexas.edu).
Posted by: Christopher Bell -
Research Phillips Cave fossils (Paleontology) (Undergraduate)
Dedicated, enthusiastic undergraduate student(s) sought to help work on fossils from Phillips Cave in Crockett County, Texas. Student(s) will help with screen-washing, sorting, identifying, and curating vertebrate fossils from Ice-Age sediments in the cave. Students will learn aspects of the anatomy of the vertebrate skeleton as they contribute to broadening our understanding of vertebrate paleobiogeography on the Edwards Plateau. The project is under way and volunteers can be brought on board immediately. Interested students should contact Stacie Skwarcan (sskwarca@utexas.edu) and Chris Bell (cjbell@jsg.utexas.edu).
Posted by: Christopher Bell -
Research Triassic vertebrates (Paleontology) (Undergraduate)
Undergraduates interested in Triassic vertebrates of Texas and the Colorado Plateau!! Get involved with new research including digital segmentation of CT-scanned specimens from Petrified Forest National Park and the University of Texas Vertebrate Paleontology Collections, preparation of vertebrate fossils collected by the WPA in the early 1900s, and photographic documentation of those materials. Opportunities exist for students to develop independent research related to the main questions associated with this project. Projects begin in the Fall, 2022 semester. Interested students should contact Will Reyes (will_reyes@utexas.edu) and Chris Bell (cjbell@jsg.utexas.edu).
Posted by: Christopher Bell -
Science Impact Intern (Graduate)
This internship opportunity is focused on the development of activities and resources that amplify the positive impacts of science in society. Interns may chose to focus on work in a variety of domains, including science writing and communication, education, mentorship, outreach and engagement of the public.
For 2022-23, a special emphasis will be placed upon the continued development of a new Science Writing Program.
Email Adam Papendieck for further info: apapendieck@jsg.utexas.edu
Posted by: Adam Papendieck -
Science Impact Intern (Undergraduate)
This internship opportunity is focused on the development of activities and resources that amplify the positive impacts of science in society. Interns may chose to focus on work in a variety of domains, including science writing and communication, education, mentorship, outreach and engagement of the public.
For 2022-23, a special emphasis will be placed upon the continued development of a new Science Writing Program.
Email Adam Papendieck for further info: apapendieck@jsg.utexas.edu
Posted by: Adam Papendieck -
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (Undergraduate)
This summer program trains and supports undergraduates to undertake environmental science research. Details may be found at https://www.esi.utexas.edu/education/summer-research-experience-for-undergraduates-reu/.
Posted by: Jay Banner -
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (Undergraduate)
This summer program trains and supports undergraduates to undertake environmental science research. Details may be found at https://www.esi.utexas.edu/education/summer-research-experience-for-undergraduates-reu/.
Posted by: Jay Banner -
PhD/MS opportunities (Graduate)
My group welcomes new students with strong motivations on understanding how solid Earth and planets operate and its impacts on shaping habitable surface environments. Prospective students are expected to have a STEM background. If these describe you, feel free to contact me through email for position openings in my group.
Posted by: Chenguang Sun -
Structural Diagenesis Initiative (Graduate)
Initiative research is on processes that systematically create and destroy fracture porosity and that influence fracture size and spatial distribution. Fluid flow in fractured rock is an increasingly central issue in recovering water and hydrocarbon supplies and geothermal energy, in predicting flow of pollutants underground, in engineering structures, and in understanding large-scale crustal behaviour. Our cross-disciplinary research is providing fundamental advances in our understanding of how the diversity of natural structural patterns evolves.
Posted by: Stephen Laubach
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Postdoctoral Fellow (Graduate)
Purpose of position: To conduct research in numerical simulation of fluid flow using both traditional Darcy flow simulators as well as Invasion Percolation methods, sandbox flow modeling, and development of a strong publication record on the topic.
Essential functions: Develop numerical simulations of fluid flow CO2 in mm to m scale models informed by geologic depositional heterogeneity. Assist in designing and implementing laboratory validation experiments of sandbox flow modeling to support theoretical and numerical simulations. Publish results in peer reviewed outlets, assist in project reporting and make presentations, as needed to support project.
Required qualifications: PhD in hydrogeology, environmental engineering, or closely related geoscience field earned within the last three years. Relevant laboratory experience with sandbox scale flow experiments. Demonstrated research interest in forward and inverse modeling of subsurface flow and transport pertaining multi-phase flow.
Preferred qualifications Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to conduct experimental studies. Demonstrated experience in presenting and publishing results, including CO2 or CCS.
Posted by: Tip Meckel
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Graduate and undergraduate research in geologic sequestration of CO2 (Graduate)
Gulf Coast Carbon Center supports a team of students and post docs working in geologic sequestration (deep subsurface long-duration storage) of the major greenhouse gas CO2, as a method to reduce release to the atmosphere. Student projects are wide ranging, from sedimentology to policy, linked in that they are 1) multidisciplinary and 2) applied to current issues.
Students are typically jointly supervised by faculty in geology or petroleum geosystems engineering and staff at the GCCC. A class in geologic sequestration is offered in the fall some years.
Posted by: Susan Hovorka
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Research in structural geology and diagenesis (Graduate)
Fundamental and applied research on fractures, particularly as these studies apply to petroleum reservoirs, is conducted under the auspices of the Fracture Research and Application Consortium at The University of Texas at Austin. The academic program of research, mentoring and teaching is led by staff of the Bureau of Economic Geology, the Department of Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering and the Department of Geological Sciences. Students in the Energy & Earth Resources Graduate Program also participate in FRAC sponsored research projects.
For further information on opportunities for fracture studies within the program see the FRAC pages on opportunities in Geology, Petroleum Engineering, Geophysics, and Energy Economics.
FRAC welcomes Visiting Scientists from industry and from other academic institutions. Contact Steve Laubach for more information about these opportunities.
A key part of the FRAC academic program is the Structural Diagenesis Initiative, a new teaching and mentoring perspective on interacting mechanical and chemical processes at high crustal levels in the Earth. For more information on the initiative see the Structural Diagenesis Initiative web site.
If you are a prospective student, please see the admissions information on the Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering or Jackson School of Geosciences web sites.
Posted by: Stephen Laubach
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Postdoctoral Fellowship Position (Graduate)
March 27, 2018
Postdoctoral Fellowship Position
The Bureau of Economic Geology in the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin currently has long-term, funded projects on the environmental implications of CO2 sequestration. We are currently recruiting recent Ph.D. scientists or engineers for a postdoctoral fellowship position.
Position: Numerical and Analytical Modeling of Fluid Flow in Porous Media Related to CO2 Injection
General topics of research is related to reservoir fluid flow modeling and simulations in CO2-EOR/Sequestrations settings with various focuses including history matching, optimization algorithms, regional geomechanics and economics related to oil and gas production. We are interested in outstanding fellowship applicants with direct experience in reservoir simulation using commercial packages specially CMG package (all modules). Experience in running simulations in parallel environment is a plus. Candidates must have interest in theoretical analyses and mathematical modeling of fluid flow problems. Strong and deep understanding of fundamentals of reservoir engineering and coding skills in Matlab, Python or other relevant programing languages are required. We anticipate that the successful candidate will have formal training in petroleum engineering or related fields.
Successful candidate will be part of Gulf Coast Carbon Center (GCCC), an interdisciplinary team of research geologists and engineers who conduct CO2-sequestration research at the Bureau of Economic Geology. GCCC is one of the world’s leading research groups in CO2 sequestration. Our Frio brine injection experiment was the first to monitor CO2 injection into brine, and we are currently involved in several large scale CO2 injection monitoring projects in the U.S. GCCC collaborates closely with faculty in departments across the UT-Austin campus, other universities, and U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories.
This position will be based in North Austin, at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, The University of Texas at Austin. Austin is often on the list of top 10 places to live in the U.S.
Please send a resume and a short expression of interest to:
Dr. Seyyed Abolfazl Hosseini
Email at: seyyed.hosseini@beg.utexas.edu
The University of Texas at Austin is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All positions are security sensitive, and conviction verification is conducted on applicants selected.
Posted by: Seyyed Hosseini -
Stable isotopes as hydroclimatic indicators (Undergraduate)
I am looking for an undergraduate student researcher to work on the analysis of stable isotopes in natural waters and plant materials. No experience necessary. The student researcher will be trained in extracting water samples on a vacuum system and analysis of stable isotopes using a laser spectrometer. Depending on progress, there may be opportunities to publish this research
Posted by: Timothy Shanahan -
Paleoclimate reconstructions in the southern Rocky Mountains (Undergraduate)
I am looking for one or more undergraduate student researchers to work on paleoclimate reconstructions in the southern Rockies using geochemical indicators in lake sediments. No experience necessary. Depending on progress, there will be opportunities to publish.
Posted by: Timothy Shanahan -
Graduate Student Position in Mineral Physics Lab (Graduate)
The mineral physics lab at the Department of Geological Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, the University of Texas at Austin invites applications for graduate student positions towards a Master's or Ph.D. degree in mineral physics. The Jackson School of Geosciences has exceptionally well-funded research programs and offers a number of scholarships to support graduate students for an extended period of time. Candidates with strong background and/or interest in physics (solid state physics), math, and geophysics/geochemistry are strongly encouraged to apply. Our mineral physics research programs focuses on high pressure-temperature experimental studies on materials properties using synchrotron X-ray and optical spectroscopies in a diamond anvil cell. Information about the graduate student programs at the Jackson School is available at: http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/.
Please contact Dr. Jung-Fu Lin at afu@jsg.utexas.edu for further information.
Posted by: Jung-Fu Lin -
Innovative Detrital Provenance Studies - Double Dating PLUS (Graduate)
A major thrust of my current research the development and application of more comprehensive isotopic detrital provenance tools. U-Pb on zircon is clearly the big work horse, but only goes so far and sometimes yields "no" useful info, e.g., if the source of the sediment is mostly recycled sediment. We have extensively pursued double dating of zircons by U-Pb and He, as zircon He ages yield very interesting insights into the thermal and tectonic history of the source terrane; often yielding very different insights than crystallization ages. The combination is powerful, but I think we can take things so much farther by combining double dating with other constrains. People have tried fission track (not precise enough), Hf/Hf (to get mantle separation model ages), etc., but what we want to do and are working on is really Double Dating ++, combining zircon U-Pb-He dating with a variety of other geochemical aspects to more comprehensive understand detrital provenance and improve paleo-tectonic reconstructions. For example, trace-element thermometry (Ti in zirc), REE on zircon (met vs mag origin), Hf/Hf (see above), oxygen isotopes, etc. and also to develop rutile in an analogous manner (e.g., Zr in rut thermometry, Cr/Nb ratio (mafic vs granulitic), REE, etc.). The sky is the limit and what can learn so much. The issue in part it, how much can a single grain tell us before it's gone? The project sounds very laboratory oriented, but it's really a combination of field and lab work. We have identified a few possible case study areas, e.g., Morocco; great exposures, long-lived and preserved record of basin deposition since the Precambrian. My group is already working on some case studies in NW Himalayas, the N & S Pyrenees, the Sevier FTB, Permian Basin and other foreland basin. New projects include provenance studies along rifted and passive continental margins such the Gulf of Mexico, the central Atlantic Margins in Canada, USA, Portugal, and Morocco.
Posted by: Daniel Stockli -
Graduate research opportunities in computational seismology (Graduate)
Texas Consortium for Computational Seismology is looking for Ph.D. students interested in computational research. Our group works on a broad range of topics in exploration geophysics, from wave-equation seismic imaging and inversion to computational algorithms for seismic data processing and seismic interpretation. The work is supported by industrial sponsors. We use open-source software tools and high-performace computing resources.
Posted by: Sergey Fomel
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PhD Student Opportunity in Climate Research (Graduate)
A PhD student is recruited to conduct modeling and observational study of Pacific decadal variability and its relation to decadal modulations of El Nino-Southern Oscillation at the University of Texas at Austin. Background in oceanic and atmospheric sciences is preferred but not required. General information on the graduate program at the UT's Jackson School of Geosciences can be found at http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/. The deadline for Fall 2014 application is January 1st, 2014. Interested candidate should contact Yuko M. Okumura (yukoo@ig.utexas.edu) for more information.
Posted by: Yuko Okumura -
High Resolution 3D marine seismic for fluid studies (Graduate)
Opportunities exist to become involved in the design, acquisition, processing, and interpretation of high-resolution 3D marine seismic data. Current applications include characterization for subsurface storage of carbon dioxide and natural fluid migration studies. We anticipate development into imaging modern systems as reservoir analogs.
Posted by: Tip Meckel -
Laser ablation (U-Th)/He and 4He/3He dating of zircon and apatite (Graduate)
Seeking motivated Ph.D. students interested in noble gas geo-thermochronology and geochemistry to pursue project in method development and application of laser ablation (U-Th)/He dating and depth profile 4He/3He thermochronometry of zircon and apatite. Our laboratory has a dedicated noble gas extraction line with a SFT magnetic sector noble gas mass spectrometer and dedicated Excimer Laser. The lab also houses two Element2 magnetic sector single collector ICP-MS instruments with a second Excimer laser as well as a state-of-the-art Bruker optical interferometric microscope. The project will develop laser ablation methodology to recover detailed thermal histories from apatite and zircon by laser ablation (U-Th)/He and 4He/3He dating as well as comparison to step-heating fractional loss experiments.
Posted by: Daniel Stockli -
LA-ICP-MS single-pule U-Pb depth profiling recovery of thermal histories (Graduate)
Seeking motivated Ph.D. students interested in in-situ geochronology to pursue project in method development and application of laser ablation continuous mode or single-pulse U-Pb LA-ICP-MS geo-thermochronology as well as trace element speedometry to constrain thermal history or lower and middle crustal rocks. The UTChron Geo- and Thermochronometry laboratory houses two Element2 magnetic sector single collector ICP-MS instruments with a large-volume cell Excimer laser system, ideally suited for depth profiling and U-Pb and trace element split stream analysis. The laboratory also houses a Bruker optical interferometric microscope to control laser ablation rates as well as a Raman system. The focus of applications is on method development and application to the exhumation of middle and lower crustal rocks in rifted margin settings.
Posted by: Daniel Stockli - Research in Marine Geology and Geophysics (Graduate)