Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) - CVBZED

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) for the Center for Vector-Borne, Zoonotic, & Emerging Diseases in Edinburg, TX. The role supports funded research, performing field and laboratory work, including collecting specimens, data management, and preparing samples for shipment.

The student will train undergraduates and contribute to manuscript preparation. Qualified applicants must be a thesis-track master’s student in biology, in good academic

Qualifications

• Must be a thesis-track master’s student in biology.
• Must be in good academic standing.
• Experience with insects and fieldwork is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all aspects of research activities for the funded grant.
• Complete field and laboratory work as required to meet aims of the grant.
• Field research may include collecting mosquito specimens, community engagement, identifying trapping sites, and collecting environmental data.
• GTA will aid in training undergraduates in appropriate techniques.

Skills

Field research

Laboratory techniques

Insect handling

Education

Master’s student in biology

Tools

Lab equipment

Job description

Office Location
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
1201 W. University Drive
Human Resources
MASS Building 2 nd Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539

Edinburg: [phone]
Brownsville: [phone]

Office hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Faculty Recruitment:
College of Engineering & Computer Science: [e-mail]

Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship: [e-mail]

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) - CVBZED

Dear Applicant,
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
*Date of Birth
*Social Security Number
*Gender
*Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.

Assistantship Title

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) – Center for Vector-Borne, Zoonotic, & Emerging Diseases

Job Class Code

Job Class Code 10095

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Minimum Qualifications

1. Must be in good academic standing
2. Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher appropriate to the area of service
3. Be registered full-time for the respective semester – nine (9) semester credit hours during the fall semester, nine (9) semester credit hours during the spring semester, or three (3) semester credit hours during the summer session or be registered in the required number of semester credit hours to fulfill the only remaining requirements of the degree plan.

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number A1512

Working Title

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) - CVBZED

Location

Edinburg, Texas

College

College of Sciences

Department

College of Sciences/ Ctr VectrBrne Zoontc Emgng Dis

Division

Provost - Academic Affairs

FTE

FTE .5

Scope of Job

The primary duty in this position is to assist in all aspects of research activities for the funded grant. The student is expected to complete field and laboratory work as required to meet the aims of the grant. This may include, but not be limited to, organizing and conducting field research such as collecting mosquito specimens, community engagement, identifying trapping sites, and collecting environmental data.
Field work will include driving to field sites using UTRGV rental vehicles or personal vehicles, including overnight collections. Laboratory duties may include but not be limited to specimens identification and processing, DNA extraction, data management, preparing samples for shipment, maintaining laboratory colonies, manuscript preparation, general maintenance and upkeep of laboratory equipment and environment, and other duties as needed. GTA will aid in assisting to train undergraduates in appropriate techniques.

Discipline Specific Required Qualifications

Must be a thesis-track master’s student in biology.
Must be in good academic standing.
Experience with insects and fieldwork is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Salary Salary: $24,000 yearly stipend, $2,000 per month, 20 hours per week

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies Varies

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date 11/02/2026

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Open Date

Open Date 10/12/2026