Laboratory Research Assistant III - Grassland Ecology

Laboratory Research Assistant III – Grassland Ecology Job Details

Hiring Department:
Department of Integrative Biology;
Position Open To:
All Applicants;
Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40; FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt from FLSA;
Earliest

Start Date:

Jun 15, 2026;
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Jun 30, 2027;

Location:

Brackenridge Field Lab.

Salary Range: $38,250 plus additional based on qualifications and experience.

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin Cap Metro buses with staff

• Participate in field studies as directed by research scientists; set up and maintain field studies, collect, process and curate plants, insects and fungal associates, perform field identification of plants, operate remote trap cameras and weather stations, plan trips, keep detailed records, curate samples, and use field equipment professionally; interact with landowners.
• Perform greenhouse duties; set up studies, record outcomes of plant, insect, soil, microbial and nutrient treatments; finalize experiments by collecting data, managing data, processing samples, and breaking down experiments; maintain greenhouse plant cultures, environmental controls, supplies, and equipment.
• Perform laboratory duties; prepare specimens for molecular and chemical analyses; analyze trap camera images and weather station data; use microscopes to measure or identify samples; culture fungal endophytes under sterile conditions; enter and manage data; perform initial data analyses from field, lab and greenhouse studies.
• Assist with administrative tasks, workflow planning, material and equipment procurement, general lab and vehicle maintenance and cleaning; attend lab meetings.
• Improve lab processes, efficiency and safety; conduct quality and safety inspections to meet EHS requirements; update lab manuals and protocols.

• High school graduation or GED.
• Work experience in field and lab research.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• BS degree in ecology.
• Experience in several areas of natural sciences, research methods and biological laboratories.
• Experience with field ecological studies or surveys of plant and insect communities.
• Greenhouse experience with growing and maintaining plants.
• Ability to identify plants and insects to order or family level.
• Basic wet lab skills such as reagent preparation, repeatable pipetting, cleanliness, data labeling.
• Field safety awareness and commitment to safety.
• Experience with data management and biostatistics.
• Ability to work as part 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.

This job requires a Class “C” operator’s driver's license. Applicants must provide a current three‑year driving record from the current state of residence. If not a Texas resident, a Texas license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees subject to CDL requirements must undergo drug and alcohol testing.

• All weather conditions.
• Outdoor work in summer.
• Insect bites or stings.
• Hazardous equipment or materials.
• Chemical fumes.
• Lifting and moving.

• Outdoor work at remote field sites, including overnight stays up to four nights per week.
• Workdays of 4×10 or 5×8 hours depending on study needs.
• Occasional weekends and holidays.

• Resume/CV.
• Three work references with contact information; at least one from a supervisor.
• A cover letter explaining how your skills and experience match the job requirements.

Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis for any employer without sponsorship. This position is security sensitive;…