Job Description
Position Summary
Dr. Ian McBrearty’s lab in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences is looking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the field of Machine Learning & Geophysics.
The McBrearty Lab sits at the intersection of machine learning and physics, focusing on developing data-driven techniques for earthquake monitoring, processing data from large seismic networks, and developing neural-surrogate emulations of PDEs governing tectonic and volcanic processes.
The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in a quantitative field with strong Python and deep learning skills to build data-driven tools for earthquake detection and geophysical forecasting. They will be responsible for developing graph neural networks (GNNs), advancing PDE emulation methods, publishing high-impact research, and utilizing high-performance computing resources. Review of applications begins September 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Informal inquiries can be sent to Dr. Ian McBrearty at [contact details available in the full listing].
Workplace Requirements:
On campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person in Houston, Texas. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
This position is funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.
Proposed Salary: $65,000
Essential Functions
Position Summary
Dr. Ian McBrearty’s lab in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences is looking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the field of Machine Learning & Geophysics.
The McBrearty Lab sits at the intersection of machine learning and physics, focusing on developing data-driven techniques for earthquake monitoring, processing data from large seismic networks, and developing neural-surrogate emulations of PDEs governing tectonic and volcanic processes.
The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in a quantitative field with strong Python and deep learning skills to build data-driven tools for earthquake detection and geophysical forecasting. They will be responsible for developing graph neural networks (GNNs), advancing PDE emulation methods, publishing high-impact research, and utilizing high-performance computing resources. Review of applications begins September 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Informal inquiries can be sent to Dr. Ian McBrearty at [contact details available in the full listing].
Workplace Requirements:
On campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person in Houston, Texas. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
This position is funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.
Proposed Salary: $65,000
Essential Functions
- Develops and deploys machine learning models (specifically
graph neural networks) to process large, spatially irregular
seismic datasets and advance neural-surrogate emulations of PDEs
governing geophysical processes