Laboratory Assistant (work-study)

University of Texas; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Laboratory Assistant (work-study) to support the Kantarci Lab in the Department of Neuroscience on UT Main Campus. This non-exempt, part-time position offers an 19-hour weekly schedule with an hourly rate of $16.00.

Responsibilities include glassware maintenance, reagent preparation (ddH2O, PBS, 70% ethanol), sterilization and supply prep, equipment monitoring, freezer upkeep, inventory management, and other routine lab tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must have Work-Study award for 2026-27
• Enrollment at UT Austin as an undergraduate student for at least 6 hours per semester (excluding summer)
• Ability to work independently and solve problems
• Project a professional demeanor

Responsibilities

• Wash, dry, and store laboratory glassware
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of shared lab spaces
• Prepare ddH₂O and PBS for tissue culture and staining applications
• Prepare 70% ethanol solutions and refill spray bottles
• Fill, autoclave, and dry pipette tips, tubes, and pasteur pipettes
• Monitor and refill incubator water levels and clean water baths
• Perform eyewash checks and handle waste disposal
• Remove ice buildup from freezers and assist with general lab upkeep
• Monitor supplies and notify restocking needs
• Carry out routine lab support tasks as assigned

Skills

Work-Study required

Undergraduate student

Independent work

Professional demeanor

Education

Undergraduate student at UT Austin (6+ hours/semester)

Job description

Laboratory Assistant (work-study)

Hiring Department: Department of Neuroscience

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 19

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Sep 14, 2026

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2026

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Hourly Rate $16.00

Purpose

Provide organizational and operational support to the Kantarci Lab in the Department of Neuroscience.

Glassware & Equipment Maintenance

• Wash, dry, and properly store laboratory glassware


• Maintain cleanliness and organization of shared lab spaces

Reagent Preparation

• Prepare and autoclave distilled deionized water (ddH₂O) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for tissue culture and staining applications


• Prepare 70% ethanol solutions and refill spray bottles as needed

Sterilization & Supply Preparation

• Fill, autoclave, and dry pipette tips, tubes, and pasteur pipettes


• Ensure sterilized materials are stocked and readily available

Equipment Monitoring & Maintenance

• Check and empty vacuum traps routinely


• Monitor and refill incubator water levels with distilled water


• Clean and refill laboratory water baths


• Perform regular eyewash station checks to ensure compliance


• Handle laboratory waste disposal in accordance with safety protocols

Freezer Upkeep

• Remove ice buildup from -20°C and -80°C freezers


• Assist with general lab upkeep and organization

Inventory & Stock Management

• Monitor laboratory supplies and notify appropriate personnel when restocking is needed


• Assist with maintaining organized inventory systems

Additional Duties

• Perform cell culture-related washing tasks (coverslip washing)


• Support sustainability initiatives (green labs practices)


• Carry out other routine lab support tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Must have Work-Study award for the 2026-27 academic year


• Enrollment at UT Austin as an undergraduate student for at least 6 hours per semester (excluding summer)


• Ability to work independently and solve problems


• Project a professional demeanor

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

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) and 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.

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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