Graduate Assistant, McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering

The University of Texas at Austin; Utah; On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Graduate Assistant for the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering on the UT Main Campus. The GA will support sustainability-focused projects in teaching laboratories for CHE-253M and CHE-264, helping to modify manuals and materials to reduce waste and energy use.

The role emphasizes collaboration with EH&S and campus programs, applying the EOP framework to integrate sustainability education in lab spaces and across courses.

Qualifications

• Current graduate student with interest in sustainability in teaching labs.
• Experience or exposure to STEM lab environments is preferred.
• Ability to develop educational materials and manuals for lab courses.

Responsibilities

• Modify existing experiment manuals and materials for CHE-253M and CHE-264, focusing on sustainability and resource optimization.
• Propose redesigned experiments and teaching methods to improve efficiency and learning outcomes.
• Develop frameworks applicable to teaching labs across the university and test course updates.
• Support creation of educational resources and documentation, including LCAs and financial analyses.

Skills

Sustainability research

Teaching laboratory work

Manual editing

Lab equipment handling

Education

Current graduate student

Background in Chemical Engineering or related

Tools

LCAs

Financial analysis

Job description

Job Posting Title: Graduate Assistant, McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering ---- Hiring Department: McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 10 ---- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Oct 12, 2026 ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until May 15, 2027 ---- Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

The project is funded by the UT Green Fund and supervised by Dr. Carlos Landaverde‑Alvarado in the McKetta department of Chemical Engineering. The work will be associated with Chemical Engineering courses CHE-253M and CHE-264 and conducted within the undergraduate teaching laboratories in the chemical engineering department. The labs are housed in the CPE building and the new ACS building. Purpose: The Landaverde‑Alvarado Lab within the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a current graduate student to work on a project focused on the study, development, and implementation of sustainable practices in teaching laboratory spaces. The student will support courses ChE 235M and ChE 264 by collaborating to create and modify manuals, instructional materials, laboratory materials, and other educational support resources (e.g., experiment stations). As part of these activities, the graduate assistant will apply the Engineering for One Planet (EOP) framework to facilitate the integration of sustainability education and sustainable practices within the chemical engineering program. This work will contribute to improved student learning, the reduction of waste generated and energy consumed within teaching laboratories, and the optimization of resources used in these spaces. Experiments, manuals, and laboratory practices developed through this project will be tested and implemented to create long‑term environmental value on campus. The project will focus on identifying and integrating solutions that are both financially feasible and environmentally beneficial. Responsibilities will also include supporting the development of an educational framework to promote the adoption of sustainable laboratory practices across the university. Project outcomes may be disseminated to the broader scientific community and will contribute to sustainability education and awareness efforts in collaboration with UT Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and other campus organizations.

Responsibilities

• Modify existing experiment manuals, materials, and equipment in the lab spaces for CHE-253M and CHE-264 while studying methods to reuse waste, reduce energy consumption, and optimize use of resources within these lab
• Propose experimental solutions to redesign experiments and courses, revamp student experimental practices, and utilize lab resources more effectively
• Develop new processes and frameworks that can be practically applied in any teaching lab spaces
• Modify the courses and identify effective practices using these courses as a living lab to test and develop this project
• Test course updates (i.e., experiments) via direct measurements, LCAs, and financial analysis
• Create awareness of our efforts within our campus and externally through participation in campus fairs, collaborations with the Green Labs and Zero Waste Programs, and other scholarly products

Required Qualifications

We are interested in hiring 1 Graduate Assistant (GA) with a commitment and interest in sustainability. Student must be a current graduate student. Students with the following academic backgrounds will be ideal to participate in this project: Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Energy and Earth Resources, Energy Management, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with STEM‑related research laboratory work is preferred.

Salary Range

$30.00 hourly

Working Conditions

All work will be completed within the chemical engineering teaching laboratory spaces associated with the courses CHE‑253M and CHE‑264.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Letter of interest
• Class Schedule
• Proposed work schedule

Employment Eligibility

Please confirm your eligibility for this position here: http://www.utexas.edu/hr/student/student_acad_employment.html

Retirement Plan Eligibility

Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.

Background Checks

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

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.

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.

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.

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 and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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.

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas' flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you'll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world. Looking for a student job? Please see our Student Employment site.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus