Laboratory Research Assistant III – Cactus Moth Ecology Full-time

Laboratory Research Assistant III – Cactus Moth Ecology

Hiring Department: Department of Integrative Biology

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Jun 15, 2026

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Jun 30, 2027

Location: BRACKENRIDGE FIELD LAB

General Notes

The assignment term is 12-months from the date of hire. Renewals for additional one-year periods may be possible, contingent upon job performance, progress towards research goals, and funding.

UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:

• 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
• For more details, please see: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits and https://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/my-total-rewards

Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship. This position is security sensitive; criminal background checks conducted on selected candidate. Hiring decision is contingent upon applicant clearing background checks.

Purpose

The Invasive Ecology Lab at UT Austin's Brackenridge Field Laboratory is looking to recruit a motivated and resourceful technician to assist with research and management of invasive cactus moths using parasitoid wasps for biological control.

Responsibilities

• Participate in field studies as directed by research scientists by assisting with field releases of biological control agents, and surveys of moth presence using pheromone lure traps. These duties include setting up and maintaining field studies, collecting, processing, and curation of cactus moths and their parasitoids, trip planning, detailed record keeping, sample curation, and proficient use of field equipment. Interact professionally with landowners. Driving a personal or university-owned vehicle is an essential responsibility.
• Perform greenhouse and lab duties to maintain and study live cultures of insects (cactus moths and parasitoids) in quarantine containment conditions Duties include setting up manipulative studies and recording outcomes of treatments. Finalize experiments by performing data collection, sample processing, and experiment breakdown. Maintain greenhouse and growth chamber plant cultures, environmental controls, supplies and equipment.
• Conduct data entry with quality checkpoints, data management, perform initial analyses of data and prepare reports
• Assist with administrative tasks, workflow planning, materials and equipment supplies preparation and purchases, general lab and vehicle maintenance and cleaning. Participate in lab meetings.
• Help to improve the lab processes, efficiency and safety. Perform quality and safety inspections to meet EHS requirements. Help update lab manuals and protocols.

Required Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED.
• Work experience in field and lab research.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS degree in ecology.
• Experience in field-based natural science studies
• Experience with maintaining live insect cultures.
• Greenhouse experience with growing and maintaining plants.
• Field safety awareness and commitment to safety.
• Experience with data management and biostatistics.
• Demonstrated ability to perform as a member of a dynamic research team.
• Excellent communication skills: listening, written and verbal.
• Self-motivated and goal-oriented mindset.
• Effective problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment.

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 current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary Range

$38,250 + depending on qualifications and experience

Working Conditions

• Exposure to all weather conditions
• Ability to work outside in the summer
• Exposure to insect bites/stings
• Ability to drive up to 8 hours in a day.
• May require working with hazardous equipment or materials
• May work around chemical fumes
• Lifting and moving

Work Shift

• Outdoor work at remote field sites required including some overnight stays up to four (4) nights per week.
• Depending on study needs set by the study leader, this may be 4X10 or 5X8 hour workdays.
• Occasional work on weekends and holidays may be required.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• A cover letter explaining how your skills and experience match the job requirements.