Laboratory Research Assistant

Location: Port Aransas

Laboratory Research Assistant

Hiring Department:
Department of Marine Science

Position Open To:
All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Earliest

Start Date:

Jan 05, 2026

Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Jul 31, 2026

Location:

MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE, Port Aransas, Texas

Job Details

The goal of the overall project is to investigate the importance of intertidal mangroves on the Texas coast as sources of atmospheric methane. The main goal of this position is to determine where in association with mangrove plants (e.g., within mangrove tissue, surrounding mangrove soils) microbial methane production takes place.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multi-disciplinary field work to study the coastal methane cycle.
• Extract DNA and RNA from mangrove tissue and mangrove soil.
• Quantify populations of methane-cycling microorganisms using real-time PCR.
• Perform metabarcoding and DNA sequence analyses of methane-cycling microbial populations in mangrove tissue and mangrove soil.
• Analyze stable carbon isotopic compositions of methane and other carbon compounds present in environmental samples.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience in the extraction of DNA or RNA.
• Prior experience in the analysis of DNA sequences.
• Prior experience using R or other programming language(s) (e.g., Matlab, Python, Linux).
• Basic organizational and computer skills (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to work in a team of researchers with various backgrounds.
• Basic swimming skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marine, biological, or environmental science, or environmental engineering.
• Prior experience in the phylogenetic analysis of DNA or RNA sequences from complex environmental samples.
• Prior experience in the bioinformatic analysis of metabarcoded DNA or RNA sequences from complex environmental samples.
• Prior experience doing field work.

Driving Requirement

This job requires a class “C” operator’s driver's license and a current three‑year driving record from the state of residence. Employees must undergo drug and alcohol testing as required for CDL holders.

Salary Range

$31,200

Working Conditions

• May work in all weather conditions.
• May work in extreme temperatures.
• May work around chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around chemicals.
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.
• Will work in up to 15‑ft deep estuarine waters driving small research boats.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Climbing of stairs.
• Lifting and moving.

Required Materials

• Letter of interest
• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with contact information (at least one supervisor reference)

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Background

Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position.

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.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

Retirement plan:
Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) – applicable for positions at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Pay Transparency

The University will not discriminate against employees or applicants because they inquire about pay. Certain restrictions apply with respect to disclosure.

Employment Eligibility Verification

Upon hire, you will be required to complete the federal I‑9 form and present acceptable documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States by day 3 of employment.

E‑Verify

Use of E‑Verify for new hires effective May 2015.

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Clery Act. Relevant reporting procedures and resources are provided by the university.

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