Science & Research STEM OPT Jobs in Texas

Job Title

Michel T. Halbouty Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Geology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Here’s a Glimpse of the Job

The Department of Geology and Geophysics at Texas A&M University is pleased to announce the Michel T. Halbouty ’30 Postdoctoral Research Associate in Geology and Geophysics.

Candidates should have a PhD in geology, geophysics or related field by the time of this appointment, be within 5 years of their PhD and have not held a permanent or tenured faculty position.

• Postdoctoral Research Associate will be based at the Texas A&M (TAMU) College Station campus, and they will engage with department faculty and students in research.
• The successful applicant will receive a one-year appointment as the Halbouty Postdoctoral Research Associate, with reappointment for a second year contingent upon research productivity and excellence.
• The Halbouty Postdoctoral Research Associate will receive a stipend of $65,000/yr plus benefits for up to two years, $6,500/yr. for research and/or travel expenses during the same two years of their postdoctoral training. Additional research funding may be provided by postdoctoral advisor or other departmental sources. This appointment includes the opportunity to work across departments and programs in the College of Arts and Sciences and the broader university.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be responsible for conducting field, laboratory, and/or computer modeling studies to address research questions in the Geological and/or Geophysical Sciences. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will organize, analyze, and synthesize data and will write manuscripts and grants independently and cooperatively with Texas A&M faculty, staff and students.

Opportunities to Contribute

• Conducts field studies under general supervision.
• Travels to field locations.
• Conducts lab analysis, using analytical equipment as needed.
• Utilizes the knowledge and skills granted to them by their education and expertise to complete computational analyses.
• Promotes an environment that is respectful of others and contributes to a positive research environment.
• Assists with the preparation and cleaning of the worksite.
• Writes manuscripts and grants, including the generation of original text and figures.
• Writing will be both independent and cooperative with Texas A&M faculty, staff, and students.
• Data organization, analysis, and synthesis.

Qualifications

• PhD in Geology or Geophysics (or related discipline).
• Ability to work outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat.
• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines.
• Ability to travel to and from field stations while transporting equipment and samples in a timely manner.
• Ability to participate in long days for field work.

A well-qualified candidate for this position will also possess:

• Relevant research experience/interest.
• Relevant experience with specialized research equipment.
• A record of relevant publications in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
• Ability to plan and execute a research plan related to the analysis of geologic or geophysical processes.
• Demonstrated data analysis skills using computational software, Excel, and programs.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to use analytical equipment necessary to address research questions.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail.

Salary: $65,000.00 annually

Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

What you need to do

Interested candidates should submit electronic applications to: TAMU JOB BOARD (R-091722). Applications should be submitted by December 15, 2026, to be considered for Postdoctoral Research Associate beginning in Summer or the Fall Semester of 2027. Applicants must identify a faculty sponsor from the tenured and tenure-track faculty of the Department of Geology and Geophysics, and coordinate with this sponsor to develop their research proposal. Faculty sponsors of successful postdoctoral candidates will ultimately serve as postdoctoral advisors and fund part of the postdoctoral stipend and research expenses.

Why Texas A& M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

The Department of Geology & Geophysics is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the Earth, its fluids, and their history and future, preparing the next generation of earth scientists, and using our expertise to serve the broader scientific, government, and industry communities. Our most fundamental mission is to educate students at all levels. To that end we offer a B.A. and B.S. degree program in geology, a B.S. degree program in geophysics, M.S. and Ph.D. programs in geology, and M.S. and Ph.D. programs in geophysics. As one of the top geology and geophysics departments in the United States, we encourage you to browse our website and learn more about our department.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Instructions to Applicants: Postdoctoral applications are strongly encouraged to include a CV, up to 3 research publications, a two-page statement of proposed research (to include facilities available and needed for the research), itemized research expenses, a one-page statement of professional career goals (to include how the postdoctoral research will contribute to these objectives), and 3 professional references (names and email addresses). In addition, applicants are encouraged to contact their chosen postdoctoral advisor from TAMU’s Department of Geology and Geophysics faculty, requesting that the TAMU faculty member provide a letter of endorsement. Please contact the Postdoctoral Search Chair, Dr. Lucien Nana Yobo, with questions.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.