Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant - The Invasive Species Lab at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory
The University of Texas at AustinAbout the role
Job Posting Title:
Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant - The Invasive Species Lab at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory----
Hiring Department:
Department of Integrative Biology----
Position Open To:
All Applicants----
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40----
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt----
Earliest Start Date:
Jun 21, 2025----
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Jul 01, 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 an imported fire ant research technician. The job is a mix of field and laboratory-based work. Lab work primarily involves sample processing, sample curation, and data entry. Sample processing activities include counting and identifying phorid fly parasitoids, preparing field collected fire ants and flies for molecular analysis, and visualization and counting of microsporidian spores using standard and phase contrast microscopy. In addition, the candidate will be expected to write protocols and contribute to the writing of reports.
Field work requires overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas and work outside in all seasons, including summer. Camping, typically in State Parks, will be required on some field trips. Work is outside in hot weather, and exposure to insect bites and fire ant stings are common. Sampling activities include careful deployment of phorid-fly sticky traps in fire ant nest mounds, setting and collecting pitfall traps to assess ant abundance, and sampling fire ants from nest mounds for molecular analysis and vouchering purposes. Experimental protocols will sometimes require a non-standard work schedule involving long days, and occasional work on evenings, and/or weekends.
Applicants will be trained in species level identification of Texas ants, phorid flies, and microsporidian pathogens.
Initial assignment is for one year from initial hire date, with opportunity for renewal based on funding and strong performance. This position will include a full-time benefits package (https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits).
Security sensitive; criminal background check conducted on selected candidate. Hiring decision is contingent upon clearing background check requirement.
Purpose
The research assistant will work with the lead investigator to carry out studies examining the interaction between red imported fire ants and their natural enemies. The primary focus will be investigating the phorid fly parasitoid assemblage that parasitize imported fire ants. This sampling effort will require large-scale deployment of sticky traps in fire ant mounds in a variety of remote areas in Texas. Additional efforts will be made to quantify fire ant abundance and to assess infection status by microsporidian and viral pathogens.
Responsibilities
Using sticky traps and hand aspirators, perform field assays quantifying phorid fly assemblage composition and abundance.
Collect fire ant nests and voucher specimens from mounds. Use GPS to record sampling locations.
Maintain detailed records of all samples collected. Carefully curate data and specimens, including entering data, storing and labeling specimens in vials or in pinned collections, and maintaining an accurate and up to date sample collection log.
Maintain detailed, organized, and complete laboratory and field notebooks.
Process samples including identifying and counting phorid flies, preparing samples for molecular analysis, and sorting ants and other arthropods from pitfall trap residues using a dissecting scope.
Write detailed protocols and experimental journals describing experimental methodologies. Maintain other data and process-oriented documents.
Clean and organize laboratory space.
Driving a UT vehicle is a requirement for the position. Ensure that vehicles used are maintained in a clean and roadworthy condition.
Responsible for quality control oversight on the technical work performed by undergraduate assistants.
Contribute to report writing by writing up methods and results. Data analysis will be done in collaboration with the lead investigator.
Other related functions as assigned.
Required Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field.
A class "C" operator's driver's license.
A strong work ethic and
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