Research Engineering/ Scientist Assistant

University of Texas at Austin

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Work on experiments studying switchgrass ecology, physiology, and genomics. This involves a combination of plant propagation and greenhouse work, the maintenance and completion of field experiments, basic molecular biology, and lab processing of field samples.

Requirements

• BA or BS in ecology, biology, agronomy, or related field.
• Must have passed laboratory or research skills courses related to degree.
• Must possess an independent, organized, and motivated attitude.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with field research.
• Experience including plant propagation, field plot establishment and maintenance, plant physiological measurements, tissue characterization, and sample preparation for nutrient analysis are preferred skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the establishment, maintenance, and completion of switchgrass field experiments at multiple field locations.
• Driving a UT owned or personally owned vehicle is an essential function of the position.
• Assist in the collection, processing, and analysis of plant samples harvested from field experiments.
• Utilize a variety of scientific instruments to collect data from field experiments.
• General lab tasks and routine equipment maintenance.
• Be primarily responsible for collecting Near Infrared Spectroscopy data on field samples. This includes milling, packing, collecting spectral data from the NIRS machine, and data post processing.
• Assist with field projects and sample processing pipelines related to microbial plant association experiments.
• Assist with managing all greenhouse and growth chambers associated with the Juenger lab work in multiple experimental areas.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level