Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant

Job Posting Title:
Research Engineering/Scientist Assistant
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Hiring Department:
Department of Neuroscience
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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 from FLSA
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Earliest Start Date:
Oct 29, 2026
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Feb 28, 2028
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Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
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Job Details:
General Notes
Our laboratory (eugene-lee-lab.com) 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
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