Research Engineering/Scientist Associate I

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, UT

13d•$38,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Sianta Lab (www.siantalab.com) in the Department of Integrative Biology at UT Austin seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented laboratory technician to play a key role in setting up and supporting the research operations of our lab. Our research focuses on understanding the evolutionary and ecological processes driving phenotypic, genetic, and species diversity in plant systems. The lab uses field and greenhouse experiments, population genomics, and phylogenomics and comparative biology to investigate how spatial environmental variation and local adaptation contribute to speciation. We also have projects studying dynamics of hybridization and introgression. This position offers a unique opportunity to be involved in the foundational stages of a lab, contributing to a cutting-edge research program that integrates ecological, evolutionary, and genomic approaches. This position will involve general lab setup and management, general plant care and experiments with plants in the greenhouse, standard molecular biology techniques, and training and supervising of undergraduate assistants. This position will likely involve fieldwork in Spring 2026 in California and/or Texas, which may require being away from Austin, TX for one to a few weeks across multiple trips and may require camping. Fieldwork would require some driving and a valid driver’s license. The work will also include data analysis, and there will be opportunities for publishing research. Inquiries about the position can be directed to Shelley Sianta ( [email protected] ).

Requirements

The applicant should have a B.S. degree in biology, ecology, plant science, or a related field.
Experience in general molecular biology lab techniques (e.g., DNA work) and basic computer literacy are required.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working in a DNA lab.
Experience growing plants in a research setting.
Experience with fieldwork.
Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills; ability to multitask and manage shifting priorities.
Demonstrated ability to carry out research, troubleshoot new protocols.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills for interaction with lab members and documentation functions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
Ability to sit or stand for multiple for up to 4 hours; ability to lift up to 40 lbs; ability to travel around campus and to off-campus locations.

Responsibilities

Organize new lab space and establish operational protocols to ensure the lab is fully functional and equipped to conduct high-quality research.
Place order for, set up, and maintain new equipment; arrange proper waste disposal and pickup; defrost freezers as necessary; manage inventory of research supplies and orders; ensure lab’s compliance with UT Environmental Health and Safety.
Use advanced molecular techniques to preserve and analyze samples, including DNA extraction, library preps, and basic bioinformatic analyses.
Manage data submission, retrieval, storage. Assist in interfacing with sequencing facilities.
Train and supervise three (3) undergraduate assistants tasked with nucleic acids isolation; provide lab safety training for new lab members.
Train and assist graduate students and post-docs with data protocols and collections.
Grow plants in greenhouse, ensure plant watering, perform cross-pollination experiments, measure traits, and collect plant tissue for nucleic acid extraction.
Perform dry lab work including handling, measuring, and/or weighing plant tissue and soil. Data entry. Organize, train, and supervise undergraduate assistants tasked with plant-related work.
Assist with collection of samples, seeds, and observational data from field sites in California and/or Texas. Assist with collection permit applications and trip logistics. May involve multiple trips away from Austin, TX for one-three weeks; may involve camping.
Assist in data analysis for research publication and related assignments. Assist with preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.