The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) seeks to hire multiple research faculty at the Research Assistant or Research Associate Professor rank in the broadly defined field of Coastal Science, including the interconnected fields of Physical Oceanography and Weather and Climate Extremes. Areas of expertise may include, but are not limited to: beach processes, estuarine dynamics, ice-ocean interactions, ocean circulation, paleoceanography, paleotempestology, permafrost degradation, sea level change, and tropical cyclones.

About the Position

We seek colleagues to add to our existing strengths in field-based, observational, and computational geoscience. Successful candidates will contribute to the vibrant research community at UTIG through engagement with colleagues within and beyond the Institute, and through the development of a vigorous, internationally recognized, and externally funded research program that complements UTIG’s research foci. Research Assistant and Research Associate Professors at UTIG typically receive six months of institutional salary support annually, with the rest obtained from externally-funded research projects; institutional support typically increases to up to eight months for research faculty upon establishing a record of leadership of large projects or programs, as is expected for  promotion to Research Professor.

UTIG is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences, which houses top research programs across a range of areas in Earth and Planetary Sciences. UTIG is also closely allied with the Texas Advanced Computing Center, and with several research centers and programs at UT focused on emerging Earth Science problems, such as the  Marine Science Institute, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Center for Space Research, and Center for Planetary Systems Habitability. UTIG employs both computational- and field-based technical support staff, and operates a variety of field equipment and lab facilities.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted online by November 20, 2026. For additional information about the application process, please contact Rosalind Gamble (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). For additional information about the position, please contact the search committee chair: Chris Lowery (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Required Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. at the time of appointment. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with nontraditional research backgrounds and those whose experiences can contribute to a broad range of perspectives in higher education and research. We encourage late stage PhD students, postdocs, and early career scientists to apply.

How to Apply

Apply online at the UT Austin Interfolio.

Applications should include: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) brief (2 page) research statement, 4) one page service/mentorship statement, 5) copies of up to three recent peer-reviewed publications, and 6) names and contact information of three references who can provide a letter upon request.