Job Posting Title:
RESA II
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Hiring Department:
Bureau of Economic Geology
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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 Until Jun 03, 2026
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Location:
PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS
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Job Details:
General Notes
The Research Engineering Scientist Associate role is a 9-month role that will support the fast ramp-up of the COMPASS program, which focuses on large-load development (data centers, oil & gas electrification, advanced manufacturing) and their intersections with Texas’ energy, water, infrastructure, and community systems. The role is hybrid in nature:
·Research: contribute to interviews, surveys, data collection, and analytical frameworks that map the critical path for large-load siting and development.
·Program Development: assist with stakeholder engagement, policy communication, business development follow-ups, and marketing/outreach activities.
·Organizational Support: help with workshops, consortium logistics, and coordination to ensure deliverables are met on time.
This position leverages both research training and commercial experience to bridge applied analysis with program growth.
Purpose
This position supports COMPASS (Collaborative Optimization & Management of Power Allocation – Surface & Subsurface strategies) by advancing research on large-load development such as data centers, oil and gas operations, and advanced manufacturing. The role will conduct interviews, surveys, and data collection; develop analytical frameworks to assess siting, energy-water-community tradeoffs, and critical pathways; and contribute to causal mapping of policy and infrastructure constraints. In addition, the position will assist with the growth of the COMPASS program by supporting business development, stakeholder engagement, policy communication, and marketing/outreach activities. This hybrid role bridges applied research with program-building functions, helping to ensure COMPASS delivers both high-quality technical outputs and strong stakeholder impact within its first year.
Responsibilities
Research and data collection: Conduct interviews, surveys, and first-hand data collection with developers, policymakers, utilities, and community stakeholders to inform COMPASS research on large-load development (e.g., data centers, oil and gas, advanced manufacturing).
Framework and analysis development: Develop causal maps, critical path frameworks, and techno-economic assessments to evaluate siting, policy, and infrastructure trade-offs across energy, water, community, and value chain dimensions.
Program development and engagement: Support COMPASS program growth by contributing to policy analysis, business development, and external engagement activities. Assist with marketing, consortium events, and stakeholder communications to increase visibility and impact.
Writing and reporting function: Draft white papers, policy briefs, and working papers summarizing research findings. Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and materials for COMPASS members, policymakers, and public audiences.
Workshop and outreach support: Assist in planning and executing workshops, stakeholder meetings, and pilot projects. Provide follow-up coordination with industry, government, and community participants.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in Energy & Earth Resources, Geoscience, Engineering, Public Policy, Economics, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in applied research, data collection, or stakeholder engagement.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports for both technical and policy audiences.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Commercial or industry experience in product management, market strategy, or infrastructure development.
Experience conducting interviews, surveys, or stakeholder engagement for research or business development.
Proficiency in tools such as GIS, Python/SQL, data visualization, or lifecycle/techno-economic analysis.
Knowledge of the energy-water nexus, regulatory permitting pathways, and/or digital infrastructure growth.
Familiarity with business development or marketing in a research or consortium environment.
Salary Range
$65,000 annually, prorated for 9-months of work.
Working Conditions
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
Climbing of stairs
Lifting and moving
Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work to meet deadlines
Occasional fieldwork as necessary
Required Materials
Resume/CV
3 work references with their contact information
Letter of interest
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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.
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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.
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Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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