Undergraduate Research Assistant: Ant and arthropod identification Spring 2026

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

7d • $13 - $15 • Onsite

About The Position

An Undergraduate Research Assistant will assist with long term research of ant communities at the Brackenridge Field Lab, located off the main UT campus, where science is studied and taught in an open and mentor-based environment. The student will sort and identify ants and other arthropods that have been collected in several long-term surveys of the ant community at the field station.

Requirements

• Current UT student in undergraduate program related to biological sciences.
• Spring 2026 appointment: Min 10 hours/week, max 15 hours/week. 3+ hour blocks required.
• Letter of interest, state availability and other time commitments in Spring 2026.
• CV with relevant coursework, GPA & research experience
• Names of 2 references

Nice To Haves

• Majors EEB, Plant Biology, Zoology, Biology, Ecology
• Entomology coursework
• Use of stereo microscope, handling of fragile samples
• Highly organized
• Data recording experience
• Responsible time management
• A passion for learning and contributing
• Team-oriented
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to maintain focus with repetitive tasks
• Good communication skills, written and oral

Responsibilities

• Familiarize self with protocol, research objectives and tasks.
• Plan and prepare materials and samples
• Sort and group ant and arthropod samples into morphospecies
• Prepare representative ants on pinned mounting points
• Label specimens
• Identify ants to genus (species if possible) using BFL ant guide and other keys
• Identify other arthropod morphospecies to Order or Family using dichotomous keys
• Curate all samples
• Record the sample data in a Box spreadsheet
• Write up a report on the activities

Benefits

• Research experience in BFL invasive species lab and UT Insect Collection.
• Communicate in a clear and organized manner so that others can effectively understand
• Make decisions and solve problems using sound, inclusive reasoning and judgment
• Act equitably with integrity and accountability to self, others, and the organization
• Demonstrate attentiveness to detail and reliability

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed