Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant (Molecular)

Job Posting Title:

Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant (Molecular)

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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:

40

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

May 01, 2026

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Apr 30, 2028

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Location:

BRACKENRIDGE FIELD LAB

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Job Details:

General Notes

Position ends one year (12 months) from initial hire date. Possibility of one-year renewals depending on job performance and grant funding.

Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

This position is security sensitive; criminal background checks conducted on selected candidate. Hiring decision is contingent upon applicant clearing background checks.

Purpose

The Invasive Ecology Lab at UT Austin’s Brackenridge Field Laboratory is looking to recruit a motivated and resourceful technician to perform skilled laboratory functions including molecular and chemical analyses and experiments with live insects, plants and microbes needed to support the invasive species research program.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular diagnostics, DNA and RNA extractions, sanger sequencing, primer designs, PCR optimization, biochemical assays and specimen preparation. Organize, align and analyze sequence data using software such as Geneious and Blast. Coordinate closely and assist Res Scientists and Postdoc's with relevant molecular and microbial tasks and experiments. Assist with growing plants, rearing herbivorous insects, and plating microbes. 

• Perform administrative activities. Assist with administrative tasks, workflow planning, data entry, materials and equipment supplies and purchases, chemical inventory. Participate in lab meetings. Maintain records and databases on server. Write protocols and lab manual updates. Organize and curate biological samples.

• Help improve lab processes, efficiency and safety. Perform quality and safety inspections to meet EHS requirements. Assist in lab maintenance, cleaning and materials preparation.  Train undergraduate students in basic molecular techniques.

• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor degree (BS) in molecular biology or related field. Experience with molecular biology techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in molecular ecology applied to insect-parasite-microbial or plant-fungal systems.

• Experience with molecular diagnostics, DNA and RNA extractions, sanger sequencing, sequence alignment, library prep for NextGen sequencing, primer designs, PCR optimization, biochemical assays.

• Understanding of the principles of population genetics, phylogenetics and microbial community studies.

• Lab experience including culturing and identification of microorganisms, microscopy, dissections of plant and insect tissues, specimen preparation for molecular assays.

• Attention to detail on repetitive tasks.

• Lab safety awareness and commitment to safety.

• Experience with data management and biostatistics.

• Demonstrated ability to perform as a member of a dynamic research team.

• Excellent communication skills: listening, written and verbal.

• Self-motivated and goal-oriented mindset.

• Effective problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment.

Salary Range

$38,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Lifting and moving

• Exposure to insect bites/stings

• May require working with hazardous equipment or materials

• May work around chemical fumes

• Field trips may be required to collect samples with exposure to all weather conditions

Work Shift

• Laboratory work generally adheres to a regular work schedule; however, fieldwork may necessitate overnight travel to remote locations in Texas and outdoor activities throughout the year. Both experimental protocols and fieldwork can involve irregular hours, including occasional weekend, after-hours, and holidays.

Required Materials

• A cover letter explaining how your skills and experience match the job requirements

• Resume/CV

• Name and contact information of three (3) references; 1 must be from a supervisor

Important for app