Undergraduate Research Assistant: Ant community survey Spring 2026

Job Posting Title:

Undergraduate Research Assistant: Ant community survey Spring 2026

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Hiring Department:

Department of Integrative Biology

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

20

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Jan 01, 2026

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until May 15, 2026

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Location:

BRACKENRIDGE FIELD LAB

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Job Details:

An Undergraduate Research Assistant will assist with long term research of ant communities at the Brackenridge Field Lab, located off the main UT campus, where science is studied and taught in an open and mentor-based environment.  The student will conduct a sampling survey of ants and other arthropods in the Spring 2026 semester according to an established protocol for the long term study of the ant community.

Job responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare sampling materials
• Re-establish survey points from prior studies
• Set out and collect pitfall and bait samples on specific dates
• Curate all samples.
• Record the sample data in a Box spreadsheet
• Sort and identify samples if time permits
• Write up a report on the activities

Qualifications:

Current UT student in undergraduate program related to biological sciences.

Work Schedule:

Spring 2026 appointment: Min 8 hours/week, max 20 hours/week. 3+ hour blocks required. High workload and hours during the setting out and collection of samples.

Location: Brackenridge Field Laboratory

Duration:

This position is available for Spring 2026; with a possibility of extension to Summer 2026 to sort and identify samples.

Salary:

$12.50/hour for Lower Division, $15.00/hour for Upper Division

Applicants must include:

Letter of interest, state availability and other time commitments in Spring 2026.

CV with relevant coursework, GPA & research experience

Names of 2 references

Preferences

Majors

EEB, Plant Biology, Zoology, Biology, Ecology

Desired skills:

• Entomology or Field Ecology coursework
• Able to work outdoors in Texas weather conditions
• Highly organized
• Commitment to completing the time critical sampling
• Data recording experience
• Responsible time management

• A passion for learning and contributing
• Team-oriented
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to maintain focus with repetitive tasks
• Good communication skills, written and oral

Career Competencies Gained:

• Research experience in invasive species ecological lab
• Communicate in a clear and organized manner so that others can effectively understand
• Make decisions and solve problems using sound, inclusive reasoning and judgment
• Act equitably with integrity and accountability to self, others, and the organization
• Demonstrate attentiveness to detail and reliability

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Employment Eligibility:

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.

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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 t