The Invasive Species Laboratory based at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin has an opening for a field / Laboratory technician. The position involves assisting in the conduct of a variety of research projects focusing on ants and their natural enemies. Interested individuals should apply through the UT Human Resources website: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/search/0/ .
Job description follows. Field-Lab Technician (Laboratory Research Assistant III) FLSA status Non-exempt Posting number 15-04-07-01-4480 Job status Open Basic Information Date available 06/01/2015 Monthly salary $1907 negotiable depending on qualifications. Hours per week 40.00 Variable Location Austin, TX (off-campus) Hiring department Intb-PI-Gilbert http://www.utexas.edu/research/bfl/ General notes Job is a mixture of field and laboratory based investigation. Job requires frequent overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas. Camping out will be required at some sites. Work will be outside during Texas summer. Experimental protocols will require a non-standard work schedule. Work will often involve long days and short weeks, working evenings, mornings and/or weekends. Additional Information Purpose of position Technician will follow the direction of the lead investigator to carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy ants and studies examining the biology and ecology of phorid fly parasitoids of fire ants. Essential functions Perform field assays of tawny crazy ant, native ant, and phorid fly abundances and experiments on species interactions and ecology. Conduct behavioral assays in the laboratory. Growth rate experiments. Phorid culturing experiments. Pathogen transmission experiments. Microdissections of phorid flies and ants. Sort, identify and record ants and other arthropods from pitfall traps. Identify ants and phorid flies to species level and other arthropods to order level. Identify and record phorid flies from traps. Record all data in field datasheets, and enter data into spreadsheets. Use GPS to set out transects and record features. Store and label specimens in alcohol vials or in pinned collections. Curate materials and maintain records. Licenses: Class "C" Operator's Driver's License. Applicant selected must provide a current three year Driving Record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within 30 days after entering Texas as a new resident. Marginal/Incidental functions Maintain vehicles in clean, roadworthy condition. Maintain the workspace in a orderly state. Organize work flow, and maintain activity schedule on multiple projects simultaneously. Collect fire ant colonies. Other related functions as assigned. Required qualifications High school graduation or GED. A combination of two years of experience in a natural science field, or a technical laboratory. A strong work ethic and attention to detail. Ability to work outside throughout the summer and carry loads over rough ground. Tolerance of heat and sting bites. Fine motor skills. Commitment to safety. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Preferred qualifications Undergraduate degree in biological science. Strong background and interest in entomology and ecology. Experience in field ecological studies and experiments. Experience with insect identification. Experience with micro-dissection. Laboratory experience in chemistry. Experience with molecular lab procedures. Computer skills including familiarity with spreadsheet manipulation, analysis and graphing in Microsoft Excel. Experience using GPS. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills needed. Ability to perform as a member of a dynamic research team.
