Undergraduate Research Traineeship Experience (RTX)

June 1-August 4, 2023

• I’m interested in being a mentor! •

The RTX is a paid opportunity for STEM undergraduates and recent graduates to gain technical skills, get involved in geoscience research and develop your own educational and professional goals.

• Who can participate? • What would I do? • What do I gain? • How do I apply? •

Who can participate in the RTX?

• We welcome applications from undergraduates and recent graduates* majoring in geoscience and other STEM fields, such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics. Applicants attending two-year colleges with plans to transfer to a four-year university are welcome. Students who have had a non-traditional path (e.g. parents, military veterans) are also welcome!
• Students who attend universities other than UT Austin generally receive priority, but that is not always the case.
• No prior experience with computation, programming or research is required. Novices are welcome!
• The RTX strives to involve trainees from a range of identities, abilities and backgrounds who represent the entire spectrum of our society. We are excited to receive applications from students from groups historically marginalized in the geosciences, including students who are Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latinx, female, first generation college students, and students with disabilities. We also welcome LGBTQ students and military veterans.
• The RTX is not limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students who are attending a U.S. institution are welcome to apply!
• RTX participants most often have a GPA greater than 3.0.
• *Generally, we consider graduated within the last year as “recent,” but other situations may be considered. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact Dr. Dana Thomas at dthomas@jsg.utexas.edu.

What would I do as an RTX trainee?

• Spend nine weeks as part of a cohort of students learning together and supporting one another.
• Participate in a series of training modules on data analytics, computational techniques, digital tools, and programming languages used in the geosciences.
• Engage in weekly workshops on research skills and personal and professional development, with topics like reading scientific literature, coping with stress, and how to apply to graduate school.
• Trainees participate as a “Researcher” or a “Learner.”
  • “Researchers” are paired with mentors and guided through an independent or group research project that focuses on applying the skills learned.
  • “Learners” gain research exposure by attending Jackson School research group meetings through “Research Rotations.”
• See examples of past projects and training modules here.
• The modality of your participation will be based on both your role as well as what is best for you. Most Researchers will come to the UT Austin campus for the RTX. If a remote experience is preferred, you can indicate that in your application. Learners should expect a virtual or hybrid experience.

What do I gain from the RTX in addition to the content?

• Financial compensation for your participation: Researchers can earn up to $6,000. Learners can earn up to $1,600.
• In-person Researchers will be provided with housing and meals for the summer.
• Access to informational and technological needs, including laptops and software and access to the UT library system.
• Support for presenting your research at professional conferences. You will be able to request financial assistance for registration and travel.
• Continued support in your educational and professional development.

How do I apply?

• Check that the program dates (~June 1 to August 4) work with your schedule.*
• Confirm your eligibility (see above).
• Consider which areas of geoscience research interest you most, especially if you are applying to be a Researcher. Visit this website to learn more about research at JSG: http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/research/.
• Preview the application by downloading this file: Preview_JSG_RTX_Trainee_Application_2023.
  • We suggest you compose your short answer questions prior to completing the online application.
• Complete the online application here: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5C1bf9lN1wAFrxk, which includes:
  • Basic contact and educational info
  • Info on technical background and previous research experience
  • Three short answer essays
  • Name and contact information of someone as a reference (letters of recommendation are not requested)
• *The RTX is a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning. We may be able to accommodate certain scheduling conflicts. However, you should consider the RTX your primary professional activity that you spend the most time on for the nine weeks.

Are you a JSG faculty member, research scientist, postdoctoral scholar or graduate student interested in mentoring a student, leading a training module, or hosting students in your group meetings?

Will you have an undergraduate researcher who you would like to participate in the RTX?

Please let us know by contacting Dr. Dana Thomas at dthomas@jsg.utexas.edu.