Laboratory Research Assistant

University of Texas; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Laboratory Research Assistant on the UT Main Campus to assist the Principal Investigator in an organic synthesis lab under inert atmosphere conditions. This role involves supporting experiments, data collection, sample preparation, and equipment operation in a dynamic research setting.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, hands-on lab experience with inert atmosphere techniques, and strong attention to safety and data accuracy.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, along with knowledge of general/organic chemistry principles.
• Hands-on laboratory experience, including familiarity with inert atmosphere techniques (e.g., glovebox, Schlenk line) or willingness to be trained.
• Understanding of chemical safety practices, hazard handling, and laboratory protocols (PPE, SDS, EH&S compliance).
• Basic math and computer skills (spreadsheets, data recording) with strong attention to detail and ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical laboratory duties under the direction of a supervisor or faculty member
• Conduct standard laboratory experiments and procedures
• Assist in the preparation of research samples
• Assemble, set up, and operate laboratory equipment
• Collect and record experimental data
• Perform mathematical analysis to summarize experimental results (may include statistical, numerical, or multivariate analysis)
• Operate calculators, spreadsheets, or related data-processing tools, and complete associated recordkeeping/clerical tasks
• Perform related duties as assigned

Skills

General chemistry knowledge

Inert atmosphere handling

Attention to detail

Math & data recording

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Glovebox

Schlenk line

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Job Posting Title: Laboratory Research Assistant ---- Hiring Department: Department of Chemistry ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Aug 17, 2026 ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2026 ---- Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Purpose Assist the Principal Investigator, Associate Professor, Kami Hull, in the operation and maintenance of analytical and experimental equipment in an organic synthesis laboratory. The successful candidate will be able to perform experiments associated with an ongoing research project under inert atmosphere conditions.

• Perform technical laboratory duties under the direction of a supervisor or faculty member
• Conduct standard laboratory experiments and procedures
• Assist in the preparation of research samples
• Assemble, set up, and operate laboratory equipment
• Collect and record experimental data
• Perform mathematical analysis to summarize experimental results (may include statistical, numerical, or multivariate analysis)
• Operate calculators, spreadsheets, or related data-processing tools, and complete associated recordkeeping/clerical tasks
• Perform related duties as assigned

• High school diploma or GED required, along with knowledge of general/organic chemistry principles
• Hands‑on laboratory experience, including familiarity with inert atmosphere techniques (e.g., glovebox, Schlenk line) or willingness to be trained
• Understanding of chemical safety practices, hazard handling, and laboratory protocols (PPE, SDS, EH&S compliance)
• Basic math and computer skills (spreadsheets, data recording) with strong attention to detail and ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Salary Range $15 an hour

Working Conditions Standard laboratory environment

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs regularly

Must be able to work safely with inert atmosphere techniques (e.g., glovebox, Schlenk line) and standard synthetic chemistry hazards

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: 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.

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.

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) (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