Research Technician Full-time

Research Technician

The MMAR Lab is looking for a motivated and organized individual to join our group as a Research Technician. The position primarily focuses on marine microbial culturing, field sampling, and laboratory management. The MMAR Lab studies how plankton adapt to a changing ocean using both experimental and modeling approaches.

While the technician will be responsible for the core operational needs of the lab, there is significant room for intellectual growth. We strongly encourage individuals who are excited to eventually lead their own independent research projects once they have become settled in the lab and familiar with our systems. This can be an excellent stepping stone toward graduate studies in the future.

Start date would ideally be no later than July 2026. Position is located in Port Aransas, Texas 1-year initially, with a 2-year renewal depending on performance and funding.

Responsibilities

• Maintain marine microbial cultures; responsible for the daily care, monitoring, and scaling of protist cultures, ensuring the stability of experimental strains.
• Support the field sampling and sample processing in the context of our Texas Gulf Center Research Program collaborative effort at UTMSI.
• General lab support: assist ongoing experiments, buy lab supplies, and keep lab chemical inventories. Independent research (optional but encouraged): develop and lead specific research components or independent projects in alignment with lab goals.

Required Qualifications

• The candidate will have a Bachelor's in biology, chemistry, marine science, microbiology, or related discipline.
• They should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks independently.
• The candidate will have effective communication skills and a collaborative spirit.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aseptic technique, microbial culturing, or field-based water sampling is desirable, but not required.
• In addition, a background in data analysis or R is a plus, but not required.

Salary Range

$35,000 – $40,000 (commensurate with experience)

Working Conditions

• May work in unideal weather conditions.
• Beach life in Port Aransas is guaranteed, with easy access to the field and ecosystems.
• To learn more about Dr. Suzana Leles values and mentoring style, check the lab website: themmarlab.com/values

Required Materials

· Resume/CV

· 1-2 work references with their contact information

· Please include a summary of your qualifications, any previous laboratory experience, and your interest in the position (including whether you have an interest in eventually developing an independent research project).

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.