Lab Research Assistant IV - The Invasive Species at BFL

Job Posting Title:

Lab Research Assistant IV - The Invasive Species at BFL

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Hiring Department:

Department of Integrative Biology

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Mar 18, 2024

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Mar 17, 2025

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Location:

BRACKENRIDGE FIELD LAB

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Invasive Species Lab at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin is recruiting a research technician. The successful applicant will work in a team to carry out applied and basic, organismal-level ecological research on invasive ants with questions relevant to the disciplines of biological control, population, behavioral, community, and chemical ecology.

The job is a mixture of field and laboratory-based investigation. Field work requires overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas and work outside in all seasons, including Texas summer. Camping out is required at some field sites. A tolerance of insect bites and fire ant stings is necessary. Experimental protocols and field work will sometimes require a non-standard work schedule involving long days, and occasional work on evenings, and/or weekends.

Applicants will be trained in species level identification of Texas ants, phorid flies, and microsporidian pathogens. Given aptitude and funding, advancement to a more senior technician position is possible.

Position ends one year after initial start date. Position may be renewed based upon job performance.

Purpose

Technician will follow the direction of the lead investigator and senior technicians to carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy ants, red-imported fire ants and natural enemies of these ants.

Responsibilities

• Perform field assays quantifying tawny crazy ant, imported fire ant and native ant abundances. Use GPS to set out transects and record features. Collect ant nests and specimens. Maintain detailed records of samples collected.

• Conduct laboratory experiments focused on two systems: (1) investigating the biology of a microsporidian pathogen and its interaction with tawny crazy ants; (2) investigating the biology of imported fire ant viruses.

• Maintain a detailed and organized lab and field notebook.

• Process samples including staining and counting microsporidian spores from infected ants using a compound microscope, preparing samples for molecular analysis, sorting ants and other arthropods from pitfall trap residues using a dissecting scope.  

• Maintain data and process-oriented documents. Enter data in a timely and accurate manner. Write and update protocols and experimental journals.

• Curate specimens: label and store specimens in vials or in pinned collections. Enter all specimen tracking data in a timely manner.  

• Care for tawny crazy ant nest fragments: feeding, cleaning of nest containers, preparing supplies.

• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory space.  

• Driving a UT vehicle is a requirement for the position. Maintain lab group vehicles in clean, roadworthy condition. Maintain the workspace in an orderly state. Organize work-flow, and maintain activity schedule on multiple projects simultaneously. Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED and a combination of two years of experience in field or laboratory research in a natural sciences field. A strong work ethic and attention to detail. Demonstrated organizational ability. Ability to work outside throughout the summer and carry loads over rough ground. Tolerance of heat and insect stings / bites. Fine motor skills. Commitment to safety. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biological science or related field. Work experience in field and laboratory research outside of a class setting in a natural sciences field. Strong background and interest in natural history, entomology, chemical ecology, behavioral ecology, and biological control. Experience in field ecological studies and experiments. Experience with insect identification. Experience with micro-dissection and microscopy. Laboratory experience in chemistry. Experience with molecular lab procedures. Experience analyzing genetic sequence data sets. Computer skills including familiarity with spreadsheet manipulation, analysis, and graphing in Microsoft Excel. Experience using GPS. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to perform as a member of a research team. Three-year driving record without accidents or tickets.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current, three-year driving record from the state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of employment.

Salary Range

$35,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Requires overnight travel/camping out at field sites in remote regions of Texas.

• May require work in extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

• Requires work with stinging and biting insects.

• May work around standard office conditions.

• May work around chemicals.

• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

• Use of manual dexterity.

• Climbing of stairs.

• Climbing of ladders.

• Lifting, moving, carrying loads over rough ground.

Work Shift

The job is a mix of field and laboratory-based work. Laboratory work typically follows a standard work schedule. Field work requires overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas and long workdays. Camping out is necessary at some field sites. Experimental protocols and field work can require a non-standard work schedule including working long days, evenings, and/or weekends.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information (phone and email address); at least one reference should be from a supervisor.

• Letter explaining interest and specific qualifications.

• A transcript of coursework taken in the natural sciences.

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Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer , complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
• E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031 .

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.