Research Engineering/Scientist Associate I

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join our research team studying plant–microbe interactions. The successful candidate will conduct laboratory and greenhouse experiments aimed at understanding how bacteria and fungi influence plant growth and health. Experiments may include evaluating natural microbial communities, synthetic microbial communities and engineering microbial communities to improve plant growth. Specific tasks may involve isolation and cultivation of plant-associated microbes, microbial gene manipulation and molecular cloning, DNA extraction from plant and microbial samples, PCR and gel electrophoresis, and preparation of sequencing libraries. Additional responsibilities include maintaining strict sterile techniques for microbial culturing and plant inoculation experiments; culturing bacteria and preparing media and reagents; maintaining accurate laboratory records and databases; managing laboratory supplies and equipment; and ensuring compliance with safety and biosafety protocols. The technician will collaborate closely with researchers and students to support ongoing projects and contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented research environment.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbial Ecology, or a closely related field in biological sciences is required.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

• Laboratory research experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist graduate students, research scientists, and faculty members with research experiments related to plant-microbiome interactions. This will often involve working with plants grown in growth chambers, greenhouses, and the field. Experiments may involve studies evaluating synthetic microbial communities and studies engineering microbial communities for improved plant growth. Specific tasks may include isolation and cultivating plant associated microbes, molecular cloning, functional studies of plant genes by analyzing mutants, using established protocols to extract genomic DNA or total RNA in a high throughout manner, and preparing libraries using these samples for next generation sequencing.
• Assist with data archiving, filtering, and basic bioinformatics analyses when possible.
• Ensure the laboratory adheres to compliance standards, biosafety regulations, and fire safety codes. Arrange shipments of biological materials involved in research.
• Contribute to lab outreach activities. Attend weekly lab meeting.
• Manage and coordinate lab resources including maintaining a clean workplace, organizing and maintaining freezers, stocking reagents, etc. Driving a UT owned or personally owned vehicle is an essential function of the position.
• Supervise and train undergraduate students to conduct laboratory and greenhouse experiments.

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: Entry Level