Research Engineering​/Scientist Associate

Job Posting

Title:

Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate I

Hiring Department:
College of Natural Sciences

Position Open To:
All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA

Earliest

Start Date:

Aug 31, 2026

Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2027

Location:

PORT ARANSAS, TX

Position is scheduled to terminate on August 31, 2027 with possibility of extension with project renewal. POSITION IS LOCATED IN PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS.

Purpose The purpose of this role is to assist in the research of the estuarine systems of South Texas. The candidate may also be asked to participate in studies of Beaufort Sea and conduct field work along the Arctic coast.

• Assist with logistics associated with field sampling and sample collection following SOPs in South Texas estuarine systems and the Beaufort Sea (Utqiagvik, Deadhorse, Kaktovik)
• Operate small boats, snow machines, and ice drills for sample collection.
• Assist with biota sorting and identification in the lab (using compound and dissecting scopes).
• Conduct routine laboratory analyses for constituents including dissolved inorganic nutrients (ammonium, nitrate, phosphate), stable C and N isotopic composition, dissolved and particulate organic matter, sediment grain size and chlorophyll.
• Calculation of stoichiometric ratios
• Maintain records of supply and travel purchases.
• Produce written quarterly and annual reports as required by sponsors.
• Maintain field logs for instruments and sensors and accurate records and backups of data.
• Mentor teachers and students selected for research experiences.
• Participate in public education and outreach activities.

• B.S. degree with major coursework in marine/environmental science plus two years of related experience
• Ability to use specialized research instrumentation/equipment as required by the project.
• Background in benthic studies that includes work in seagrass, marsh, and open bay bottoms in estuarine and coastal systems.
• Knowledge of the application of isotopic and stoichiometric signatures in ecology
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• M.S. degree with major coursework in marine/environmental science.
• Experience working in estuarine environments in both low and high latitude systems (all seasons) on small boats and research vessels.
• Ability to conduct remote field work for extended periods ranging from 3-6 weeks.
• Experience with short- and long-term deployment of field instrumentation (for example, CTDs (R , YSI, Hobo, Star-Oddi), SeaFETS, LI-COR light meters, and Lowell tilt current meters; familiarity with in situ sensors (pressure, dissolved oxygen, PAR, and chlorophyll), and associated instrumentation software).
• Positive personality and ability to work in groups.
• Clear evidence of professional writing and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Word, R, Excel, and data acquisition programs.

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

$40,000+ depending on qualifications

• May work around chemicals.
• May work around standard laboratory conditions.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at workstation.
• Use of manual dexterity Required

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

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.

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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…