Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate I

Job Posting Title:

Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate I

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Hiring Department:

Molecular Biosciences

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until May 14, 2026

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

Purpose

This position supports ongoing research projects in the Johnson Lab, with opportunities to learn new techniques, contribute to experiments, and gradually take ownership of independent tasks as training progresses.

Responsibilities

• Research: Prepare chemical solutions, buffers, and other reagents for experimental use. Assist with protein purifications (FPLC). Perform PCR, plasmid minipreps, and transformations in E. coli. Perform basic assays (gel electrophoresis, activity assays). Assist in enzyme kinetic assays and analysis.

• Data analysis and documentation: Maintain a detailed lab notebook. Perform basic data analysis. Contribute to the preparation of materials for reports, presentations, and publications. Participate in lab meetings.

• Lab maintenance and operations: Monitor inventory of consumables and lab supplies. Calibrate, clean, and maintain lab equipment (e.g., pH meters, balances, centrifuge, glassware). Ensure proper labeling of chemicals and correct waste disposal.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biology, biochemistry or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior lab research experience. Familiarity with standard biochemistry lab techniques. Some experience in lab doing enzyme kinetic assays. Strong organizational skills. Ability to record and manage data and protocols. Willingness to learn new techniques. Good communication skills and ability to work well with others. Dependable, motivated, and able to manage time effectively in a research setting.

Salary Range

$36,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished)

• May work around chemical fumes

• May work around standard office conditions 

• May work around biohazards

• May work around chemicals 

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)