Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant Full-time

Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant

Hiring Department: Department of Neuroscience

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Oct 29, 2026

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Feb 28, 2028

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Description:

Our laboratory studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases by combining cell biology, neuroscience, advanced imaging, and animal models. This position provides opportunities for hands-on research experience in molecular and cellular neuroscience, including training in microscopy, molecular biology, and animal models.

Research assistants will work closely with the principal investigator and other laboratory members while developing both technical and scientific skills in a collaborative research environment. They will receive hands-on training in experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication, and responsible conduct of research. Opportunities to present research, contribute to publications, and receive mentorship.

Initial assignment will be for one year. Subsequent renewal of employment will be based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding.

The University of Texas at Austin offers a competitive benefits package for all full-time benefits eligible staff positions. More information here: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits

Purpose: To provide operational and organizational support as well as research support.

Responsibilities:

• Rodent colony management including checking rodent colony 4 times per week, weekly genotyping, and tissue collection
• Tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry, and imaging
• Perform primary culture of neurons and glia from rodents
• Acquire and analyze imaging data using standard image analysis and statistical software
• Help ordering equipment, supplies and chemicals for experiments, ensuring timely arrival and organization of supplies. Maintain clean and organized lab space
• Help writing and submitting biosafety protocols and standard operating procedures for chemicals and biohazards
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and organize experimental data

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field by the start date.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for scientific research and willingness to learn new techniques

Preferred Qualifications

• Rodent handling or behavioral studies
• Image analysis using Fiji/ImageJ or similar software
• Basic programming or statistical analysis (R, Python, or GraphPad Prism)

Salary Range

$40,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around biohazards.
• May work around chemicals.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest