Planetary Science Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting Title:
Research Associate
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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
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Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
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Job Details:
General Notes
The University of Texas at Austin Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) seeks to hire a Research Staff member in the broadly defined areas of Earth and planetary interiors. The emphases of the research areas include experimental mineral physics, physics and chemistry of planetary interiors, and high-pressure earth materials science. We seek a colleague who creatively uses experimental approaches to address fundamental problems in understanding physical and chemical properties of Earth's deep interior or interiors of other planetary bodies. We are particularly interested in candidates who have an expertise in the application and development of laser and X-ray spectroscopies coupled with high-pressure devices and/or other innovative lab-based techniques. We are particularly interested in candidates with the potential to build bridges between existing areas of research strength and collaborate with scientists across various programs. Successful applicant will be expected to contribute to a research community at the University of Texas at Austin through the development of an externally-funded research program, and through engagement with colleagues, postdoctoral scholars, and students. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Earth Science or a related field.
The Department is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences, which houses top research programs across all areas of the Earth and Planetary Sciences. The Department is also closely allied with the Institute of Geophysics for solid Earth research, the Center for Planetary Systems Habitability for planetary science research, and Texas Materials Institute for material science research.
Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and a plan for applying external grants (up to four pages), up to three recent peer-reviewed publications, and the names and contact information of three qualified persons who can provide the search committee a reference letter upon request. For full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 1st, 2025. You can view and apply for the position on the University's job page. For any further questions, please contact the search committee chair: Jung-Fu Lin (e-mail: afu@jsg.utexas.edu).
Purpose
To contribute to a research community at the University of Texas at Austin through the development of an externally-funded research program, and through engagement with colleagues, postdoctoral scholars, and students.
Responsibilities

• Develop new lines of research, undertake independent research projects, and analyze research data and write research results for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Apply for external funding, establish externally-funded research projects, write reports to sponsoring agencies, and present research at scientific meetings and seminars .
• Supervise laboratory personnel, maintain and operate mineral physics laboratory equipment, and involve in the development of laboratory techniques.
• Collaborate with university personnel on research projects, train users and collaborators on operation of laboratory instruments and data analysis.

Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in Earth Science or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Expertise in the application and development of laser and X-ray spectroscopies coupled with high-pressure devices and/or other innovative lab-based techniques. Strong verbal and written communication skills in science. Strong creativity and problem-solving skills in laboratory experiments.
Salary Range
$90,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions

• Use of manual dexterity.
• Lifting and moving.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

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:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
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.
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.
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.
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.