Job Posting Title: Laboratory Research Assistant III - Plant - Insect Ecology
---- Hiring Department: Department of Integrative Biology ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt ---- Earliest Start Date: Mar 01, 2025 ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Feb 28, 2026 ---- Location: BRACKENRIDGE FIELD LAB ---- Job Details: General Notes The initial assignment is one year, with the potential for annual renewals based on funding and job performance. The position will include a full-time benefits package. Most work will be based at the Brackenridge Field Lab (off-campus). Outdoor work at remote field sites required including some overnight stays up to 4 nights per week. Depending on study needs set by the study leader, this may be 4x10 or 5x8 hour workdays. Occasional work on weekends and holidays required. Security sensitive; criminal background checks conducted on selected candidate. Hiring decision is contingent upon applicant clearing background requirement. Purpose Assist with research into invasive species by performing skilled laboratory, greenhouse and field studies. The study systems include invasive grasses, herbivorous insects and their parasitoids on grasses and cacti, and plant - soil microbial studies. Responsibilities - Participate in field studies as directed by research scientists. This includes collecting, processing and curation of plants and insects, field identification of plants, deployment of pheromone lure traps, remote trap cameras, weather stations, trip planning, detailed record keeping and sample curation, and proficient use of field equipment. Interact professionally with landowners. - Perform greenhouse duties to study plants and insects. This includes setting up studies and recording outcomes of plant, insect, soil, microbial and nutrient treatments. Finalizing experiments by performing data collection, data management, sample processing and experiment breakdown. Maintain the greenhouse plant and insect cultures, environmental controls, supplies and equipment. - Perform laboratory duties including specimen preparation for molecular and chemical analyses. Analyze images from trap cameras. Use microscope to measure or identify samples. Conduct data entry, and management, and perform initial analyses of data from field and greenhouse studies. - Assist with administrative tasks, workflow planning, materials and equipment supplies preparation and purchases, general lab and vehicle maintenance and cleaning. Participate in lab meetings. - Help to improve the lab processes, efficiency and safety. Perform quality and safety inspections to meet EHS requirements. Help update lab manuals and protocols. - Driving a UT vehicle is a requirement for the position. Maintain lab group vehicles in clean, roadworthy condition. Other related functions as assigned. Required qualifications - High school graduation or GED - Minimum of two years field and laboratory experience - Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate Preferred qualification - 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 - Experience with rearing and maintaining insect cultures - 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 - Demonstrated ability to perform as a member 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 Driving Required 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). Salary Range $38,250 per year + depending on qualifications and experience Working Conditions: - Exposure to all weather conditions - Ability to work outside in the summer - Exposure to insect bites/stings - Ability to drive up to 8 hours in a day - May require working with hazardous equipment or materials with appropriate PPE - May work around chemical fumes - Lifting and moving Work Shift - Field work at remote field sites required including some overnight stays up to 4 nights per week. Depending on study needs set by the study leader, this may be 4x10 or 5x8 hour workdays. Occasional work on weekends and holidays required. Required Materials - Resume/CV - 3 work references with their email contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor - A cover letter explaining how your skills and experience match the job requirements Please apply at the below link: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UTstaff/details/Laboratory-Research-Assistant-III---Plant---Insect-Ecology_R_00037798 To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
