Research Traineeship Experience (RTX)

Applications are now closed for the Summer 2024 Program.

Program Dates: June 3rd – August 2nd, 2024 // Application Deadline: February 23rd, 2024.

Embark on a transformative journey of geoscience exploration and skill development with the Research Traineeship Experience (RTX), a paid nine-week opportunity for STEM undergraduates and recent graduates to foster excellence in research at the University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences.

If you are a faculty member, research scientist, postdoctoral scholar, or graduate student interested in mentoring, leading training modules, or hosting students in your group meetings within the JSG, or have an undergraduate researcher you’d like to involve in the RTX, please contact us at dthomas@jsg.utexas.edu.

Program Overview

Undergraduate Research Experience, Features, and Benefits:

• Immerse yourself in a collaborative nine-week experience within a supportive student cohort.
• Conduct independent research guided by a mentor from the Jackson School of Geosciences.
• Participate in comprehensive training modules covering data analytics, computational techniques, digital tools, and geoscience programming languages.
• Attend weekly workshops addressing research skills, personal development, and topics like scientific literature, stress management, and graduate school applications.
• Choose your preferred participation mode, with most participants opting for on-campus engagement at UT Austin, or indicate a preference for a remote experience in your application.
• Explore past projects and view previous mentors.

Financial Considerations and Other Professional Benefits

• Receive up to $6,000 in financial compensation for participation.
• In-person participants enjoy provided summer housing and meals.
• Access essential information, technology, laptops, software, and the UT library system.
• Receive support for presenting research at conferences, with available financial assistance for registration and travel.
• Access ongoing support for educational and professional development.

Eligibility

• Undergraduates and recent graduates majoring in geoscience and other STEM fields (computer science, engineering, mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics)
• No prior experience with computation, programming or research is required
• The RTX seeks participants from various backgrounds, including students from HSIs, HBCUs, and other MSIs, those attending two-year colleges with transfer plans, and individuals with non-traditional paths, such as parents and military veterans.

Preferences/Additional Notes

• International students at U.S. institutions are welcome to apply, though certain positions may have U.S. citizenship restrictions.
• RTX participants typically maintain a GPA above 3.0.
• Priority is generally given to students from universities other than UT Austin

Application Timeline

Missed this year’s info sessions? Please view the slides and watch the recording of the info session on January 17 in partnership with the Environmental Science Institute REU.

Application Process

• We recommend exploring geoscience research areas of interest, particularly if applying as a Researcher.
• Complete the application, which includes
  • Brief explanation of technical background and research experience
  • Three short answer essays (200-350 words)
    • Why does the RTX appeal to you? What are your scientific interests and how do they relate to your educational and career goals? What impact do you think participation in the RTX could have on your future?
    • Please describe a few examples from your own experiences (academic, job-related, personal and family responsibilities) that show you can succeed in the RTX.
    • Please describe how you, based on your personal background and life experiences (including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges) will contribute to this mission during and after participation in the RTX.
  • A resume (optional)
  • A reference’s contact information
• For paper applications, mail the completed document to Dana Thomas, Jackson School of Geosciences, 2305 Speedway Stop C1160, Austin, TX 78712-1692.
• Note: The RTX accommodates synchronous and asynchronous learning, and efforts are made to address scheduling conflicts. However, we emphasize this program as the primary professional activity during the nine week duration.

Contributing to the Program

The Jackson School of Geosciences RTX would greatly appreciate the involvement of faculty members, research scientists, postdoctoral scholars, or graduate students who are interested in mentoring, leading training modules, or hosting students in group meetings. Additionally, we welcome anyone interested in sponsoring or getting involved in any capacity.

For further information or to express your interest, please contact Dr. Dana Thomas at dthomas@jsg.utexas.edu.