Laboratory Research Assistant II

The University of Texas at Austin • Port Aransas, TX

2d

About The Position

A Laboratory Research Assistant position is available to work with Dr. Kelly Dorgan at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, TX, starting in February 2026 (negotiable). Research in the lab integrates ecology, biomechanics (including engineering theory and methods), and invertebrate behavior, morphology and physiology with engineering theory and methods, including development of new instrumentation. This position is intended for a recent graduate (BS) looking to gain research experience before graduate school and will involve field and lab work as well as helping to manage the lab, including purchasing and organizing supplies. The technician will process sediment samples, sort and help identify benthic invertebrate samples, conduct field work in local estuaries and potentially on longer research cruises. The technician may also have opportunities to analyze and synthesize data, work on instrument development and trouble-shooting, and help set up a new innovation workshop

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Previous research experience in a relevant field
• Experience with field work
• Programming experience or willingness to learn programming

Nice To Haves

• BS in a relevant field (marine science, biology, geosciences, or other)
• Small-boat operating experience
• Experience with invertebrates and use of microscopes
• Experience with Matlab, R, Arduino, Image

Responsibilities

• Experimental design, trouble-shooting, and data analysis
• Infauna sample sorting (under a microscope)
• Processing of sediment samples in lab
• Field work to collect infauna and sediments
• Other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees