Laboratory Research Assistant III - Grassland Ecology

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Invasive Ecology Lab at UT Austin’s Brackenridge Field Laboratory is looking to recruit a motivated and resourceful technician to assist with research into invasive species by performing skilled field, laboratory, and greenhouse studies. The study systems include invasive grasses, herbivorous insects and their parasitoids on grasses, and plant-soil microbial studies. The assignment term is 12-months from the date of hire. Renewals for additional one-year periods may be possible, contingent upon job performance, progress towards research goals, and funding.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• Work experience in field and lab research.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.
• Class "C" operator's driver's license.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Participate in field studies as directed by research scientists. This includes setting up and maintaining field studies, collecting, processing and curation of plants, insects and fungal associates, field identification of plants, 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, insects and fungal associates. 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 greenhouse plant cultures, environmental controls, supplies and equipment.
• Perform laboratory duties including specimen preparation for molecular and chemical analyses.
• Analyze images from trap cameras.
• Analyze weather station data.
• Use microscope to measure or identify samples.
• Culture fungal endophytes in sterile lab conditions.
• Conduct data entry, and management, and perform initial analyses of data from field, lab 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.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED