PhD opportunities in Geodesy at the University of Houston

The Marine and Coastal Geodesy Group at the University of Houston is looking for multiple PhD students to join the group in the Spring or Fall of 2025. The group’s research uses satellite, terrestrial, and marine geodetic techniques to investigate Earth’s topography and deformation. Possible scientific applications include but are not limited to studies of crustal motion and deformation near plate boundaries, land subsidence and sea level rise in river deltas, and changes in the cryosphere. Below are three active projects we are recruiting graduate students.

1. Seafloor geodesy with GNSS-Acoustic ranging (GNSS-A) and ocean bottom pressure (OBP) sensors. A large portion of Earth’s surface is covered by the ocean, where the crustal motion and deformation can only be measured with seafloor geodesy. This project uses remotely controlled robotic vehicles (e.g., Wave Gliders) to conduct GNSS-A surveys and retrieve OBP measurements. The data will be used to characterize long- and short-term seafloor motion. The successful candidate is expected to participate in research cruises for data collection.

2. Coastal and polar sea level observations with GNSS Interferometric Reflectometry (GNSS-IR) and satellite altimetry. GNSS-IR and satellite altimetry are complementary techniques to measure sea levels. This project uses GNSS-IR derived sea levels as independent observations to examine the accuracies of satellite altimetry and traditional tide gauges, and improve ocean tidal models for areas where traditional observations are lacking. The successful candidate is expected to develop skills in GNSS-IR and satellite altimetry, and apply these techniques to quantify changes in coastal and polar regions.

3. Characterizing subduction zone crustal deformation with space geodetic observations. Subduction zones host most great earthquakes and almost all major tsunamis. Measurements of Earth’s surface displacement rates can provide critical constraints about the state of strain accumulation on the fault interface. This project uses GNSS and InSAR techniques to measure Earth’s surface displacements and link the observations with geophysical processes. The successful candidate is expected to learn GNSS and InSAR data processing and develop modeling skills to characterize crustal deformation in subduction zones.

Successful candidates will be fully supported as graduate Research Assistants (RAs) with a monthly stipend of $2,500–$2,750 (12 months per year) in UH’s Geosensing Systems Engineering & Sciences (GSES) program. Motivated students who are interested in joining the group are encouraged to fill in the online form at https://forms.office.com/r/mWi2BGkZKv. Informal review of applications will start immediately, and we will contact you if further information is needed. GRE waiver is contingent upon the applicant’s academic records.

About the university, program, and city: The University of Houston is a public research university in Houston, Texas that is classified as an "R1" institution by Carnegie, which is the highest classification for research activity. The GSES is a multi-disciplinary program in which faculty and students use state-of-the-art sensors to observe and characterize critical Earth’s surface processes. Houston is a leading energy and technology hub in the country.