Lab Research Assistant IV - The Invasive Species at BFL

Job Posting Title:

Lab Research Assistant IV - The Invasive Species at BFL

----

Hiring Department:

Department of Integrative Biology

----

Position Open To:

All Applicants

----

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

----

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

----

Earliest Start Date:

May 01, 2025

----

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Sep 30, 2025

----

Location:

BRACKENRIDGE FIELD LAB

----

Job Details:

General Notes

The Invasive Species Lab at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin is recruiting a research technician. The successful applicant will work in a team to carry out applied and basic, organismal-level ecological research on invasive ants with questions relevant to the disciplines of biological control, population, behavioral, community, and chemical ecology.

The job is a mixture of field and laboratory-based investigation. Field work requires overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas and work outside in all seasons, including Texas summer. Camping out is required at some field sites. A tolerance of insect bites and fire ant stings is necessary. Experimental protocols and field work will sometimes require a non-standard work schedule involving long days, and occasional work on evenings, and/or weekends. Lab work involves a variety of behavioral based experiments, sample processing, qPCR, and flow cytometry.

Position ends 5 months after initial start date. Position may be renewed based upon job performance.

Purpose

Technician will follow the direction of the lead investigator and more senior technicians to carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy ants, red-imported fire ants and natural enemies of these ants.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments focused on three systems: (1) investigating the biology of a microsporidian pathogen and its interaction with tawny crazy ants; (2) investigating the biology of imported fire ant viruses; (3) investigating inter interaction between phorid flies in the genus Pseudacteon and their fire ant host.

• Process samples, including staining and counting microsporidian spores from infected ants using a compound microscope, preparing samples for molecular analysis, sorting ants and other arthropods from pitfall trap residues using a dissecting scope.  

• Conduct qPCR and flow cytometry assays to quantify pathogen infection levels.

• Perform field assays quantifying tawny crazy ant, imported fire ant and native ant abundances. Use GPS to set out transects and record features. Collect ant nests and specimens. Maintain detailed records of samples collected.  

• Maintain a detailed and organized lab and field notebook.

• Maintain data and process-oriented documents. Enter data in a timely and accurate manner. Write and update protocols and experimental journals.

• Curate specimens: label and store specimens in vials or in pinned collections. Enter all specimen tracking data in a timely manner.  

• Care for tawny crazy ant nest fragments: feeding, cleaning of nest containers, preparing supplies.

• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory space.  Organize work-flow, and maintain activity schedule on multiple projects simultaneously. Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED and a combination of two years of experience in field or laboratory research in a natural sciences field. A strong work ethic and attention to detail. Demonstrated organizational ability. Ability to work outside throughout the summer and carry loads over rough ground. Tolerance of heat and insect stings / bites. Fine motor skills. Commitment to safety. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biological science or related field. Work experience in field and laboratory research outside of a class setting in a natural sciences field. Strong background and interest in natural history, entomology, chemical ecology, behavioral ecology, and biological control. Experience in field ecological studies and experiments. Experience with insect identification. Experience with micro-dissection and microscopy. Laboratory experience in chemistry. Experience with molecular lab procedures. Experience analyzing genetic sequence data sets. Computer skills including familiarity with spreadsheet manipulation, analysis, and graphing in Microsoft Excel. Experience using GPS. Excellent organizational, interper