Research Engineering/Scientist Associate I

University of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Research Engineering/Scientist Associate I for the Molecular Biosciences department on UT Main Campus. The role involves hands-on molecular biology, genetics work with C. elegans, and maintaining detailed lab records.

Immediate start with annual renewal depending on funding and performance. The position emphasizes independent yet collaborative work, strong organization, and proactive lab management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, or related STEM field.
• Demonstrated interest in experimental biological research.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Willingness to assist with both research and routine laboratory responsibilities.
• Preferred: laboratory experience in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, or related field.
• Preferred: experience with PCR, cloning, microscopy, sterile technique, model organisms, or basic data analysis.
• Familiarity with C. elegans is helpful but not required.
• Experience coordinating equipment service, laboratory purchasing, inventories, or shared laboratory tasks desirable.
• Strong interest in pursuing graduate or professional training in biological sciences.
• Intellectually curious, proactive, motivated to learn, and willing to own projects and laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Molecular biology and experimental research: Perform experiments involving C. elegans genetics, molecular cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, strain maintenance, microscopy, staining assays, RNAi, and related molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, analyze results, and communicate progress to the PI and other lab members.
• Laboratory organization and operational support: Coordinate routine laboratory tasks, maintain inventories, prepare reagents and media, organize shared spaces, monitor equipment, and help ensure that laboratory procedures and safety requirements are followed.
• Equipment, purchasing, and administrative coordination: Contact vendors and service providers, arrange equipment maintenance and repairs, obtain quotes, track service requests, assist with ordering and receipt documentation, and help maintain laboratory records and shared schedules.

Skills

Molecular biology

Experimental research

Documentation

Independent & collaborative

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related STEM

Job description

Job Posting Title: Research Engineering/Scientist Associate I ---- Hiring Department: Molecular Biosciences ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Jul 26, 2027 ---- Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

General Notes This position will end effective one year from start date. Subsequent annual renewal of employment will be based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding. For more information visit Dr. Sarinay Cenik's website at https://www.sarinayceniklab.org or email [e-mail].

Responsibilities

• Molecular biology and experimental research: Perform experiments involving C. elegans genetics, molecular cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, strain maintenance, microscopy, staining assays, RNAi, and related molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, analyze results, and communicate progress to the PI and other lab members.
• Laboratory organization and operational support: Coordinate routine laboratory tasks, maintain inventories, prepare reagents and media, organize shared spaces, monitor equipment, and help ensure that laboratory procedures and safety requirements are followed.
• Equipment, purchasing, and administrative coordination: Contact vendors and service providers, arrange equipment maintenance and repairs, obtain quotes, track service requests, assist with ordering and receipt documentation, and help maintain laboratory records and shared schedules.*

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, or a related STEM field.
• Demonstrated interest in experimental biological research.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and to maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Willingness to assist with both research and routine laboratory responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, or a related field.
• Experience with PCR, cloning, microscopy, sterile technique, model organisms, or basic data analysis.
• Familiarity with C. elegans is helpful but not required.
• Experience coordinating equipment service, laboratory purchasing, inventories, or shared laboratory tasks is desirable.
• Strong interest in pursuing graduate or professional training in the biological sciences.
• The preferred candidate will be intellectually curious, proactive, motivated to learn, and willing to take ownership of projects and laboratory operations.

Salary Range

$35,568 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Personal protection equipment (furnished) May work around chemical fumes May work around standard office conditions May work around biohazards May work around chemicals

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). 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.

Contact Information

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