Research Science/Engineering Assistant

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, UT

16h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin is recruiting several research science/engineering assistants for Dr. Ku-lung (Ken) Hsu’s laboratory in the Division of Chemical Biology and Proteomics. The roles are intended for bachelor’s- and master’s-level graduates with 0–10 years of experience who want to gain research experience and contribute to the laboratory’s work. Employees will work closely with the laboratory manager, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students. A high level of independence is expected after tasks are assigned.

This is a fixed-term position expected to continue through October 19, 2027. Extensions may be renewable based on funding availability, work performance, and progress toward research goals. Depending on experience and interests, work may involve laboratory management, rodent care, experiments in immunology, cancer, or neuroscience, cell and molecular biology, chemical synthesis, and analytical instrumentation. The laboratory’s work includes chemical biology and proteomics, and may involve training to operate mass spectrometers.

The position is based at the UT Main Campus. It is full-time, scheduled for 40 hours per week, and requires flexible hours that may include weekends, evenings, or early mornings. The salary is $42,000 and up, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a scientific discipline; relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• 1–10 years of laboratory experience.
• Maintain a complete and comprehensive laboratory notebook.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience in at least one of the following: chemical proteomics, biochemistry, cell biology, mass spectroscopy, synthetic chemistry, flow cytometry, molecular biology, or analytical instrumentation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in more than one of the listed required-qualification areas.
• Proficiency with Excel and other Windows programs, including Word and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with literature searches and science writing.
• Experience in chemical proteomics and operation of mass spectrometers (for one position).
• Several years of experience as a synthetic organic chemist (for one position).

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine laboratory management, including ordering and inventorying supplies and chemicals, chemical disposal, laboratory training, and maintaining instrumentation and equipment used.
• Participate in regular group meetings and provide progress updates and reports as required.
• Depending on interest and experience, perform or assist with rodent colony management, including compound treatments, xenograft models, genotyping, routine weighing and health records, perioperative care, and recording experimental procedures.
• Perform or assist with experiments related to immunology, cancer, and neuroscience.
• Perform cell isolations or culture, molecular biology, chemical synthesis, and/or operate laboratory instruments and equipment, depending on area of experience or interest.
• Conduct experimental work such as fluorescence gels, protein purification, affinity chromatography, Western blots, ELISAs, and other assays.
• Operate laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, gel imagers, cell counters, and automated liquid handlers; may be trained to operate mass spectrometers.
• For employees with experience or interest in organic synthesis, set up reactions, isolate pure reaction products, and use analytical techniques such as flash chromatography, NMR, and HPLC.

Benefits

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) retirement plan eligibility, subject to the position meeting the stated hours-per-week and duration conditions.
• Uniforms and/or personal protective equipment are furnished.

What This Job Offers

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