Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate I

The University of Texas at Austin; Port Aransas (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate I to assist in studying estuarine systems in South Texas. The role includes fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and data reporting, with potential Arctic Coast collaboration.

Responsibilities cover field sampling, instrument operation, data management, and mentoring teachers and students in research experiences; outreach activities are also part of the role.

Qualifications

• A B.S. degree in marine/environmental science with related experience is required.
• Ability to operate specialized research instrumentation and equipment as project requires.
• Background in benthic studies in estuarine/coastal systems is desired.
• Knowledge of isotopic and stoichiometric signatures in ecology.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field sampling logistics in South Texas estuarine systems and Beaufort Sea.
• Operate small boats, snow machines, and ice drills for sample collection.
• Assist with biota sorting and identification in the lab using scopes.
• Conduct routine laboratory analyses for nutrients, isotopes, organic matter, and chlorophyll.
• Calculate stoichiometric ratios and maintain data records.

Skills

Field sampling

Lab analysis

Data analysis

Instrument operation

Isotope analysis

Report writing

Mentoring

Education

B.S. in marine/environmental science

M.S. preferred

Tools

CTDs

SeaFETS

Lowell tilt meters

RBR/YSI equipment

Job description

Job Posting Title: Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate I

Hiring Department: College of Natural Sciences

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Aug 31, 2026

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2027

Location: PORT ARANSAS, TX

Job Details: General Notes

Position is scheduled to terminate on August 31, 2027 with possibility of extension with project renewal. POSITION IS LOCATED IN PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS.

Purpose: The purpose of this role is to assist in the research of the estuarine systems of South Texas. The candidate may also be asked to participate in studies of Beaufort Sea and conduct field work along the Arctic coast.

Responsibilities

• Assist with logistics associated with field sampling and sample collection following SOPs in South Texas estuarine systems and the Beaufort Sea (Utqiagvik, Deadhorse, Kaktovik)
• Operate small boats, snow machines, and ice drills for sample collection.
• Assist with biota sorting and identification in the lab (using compound and dissecting scopes).
• Conduct routine laboratory analyses for constituents including dissolved inorganic nutrients (ammonium, nitrate, phosphate), stable C and N isotopic composition, dissolved and particulate organic matter, sediment grain size and chlorophyll.
• Calculation of stoichiometric ratios
• Maintain records of supply and travel purchases.
• Produce written quarterly and annual reports as required by sponsors.
• Maintain field logs for instruments and sensors and accurate records and backups of data.
• Mentor teachers and students selected for research experiences.
• Participate in public education and outreach activities.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. degree with major coursework in marine/environmental science plus two years of related experience
• Ability to use specialized research instrumentation/equipment as required by the project.
• Background in benthic studies that includes work in seagrass, marsh, and open bay bottoms in estuarine and coastal systems.
• Knowledge of the application of isotopic and stoichiometric signatures in ecology

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. degree with major coursework in marine/environmental science.
• Experience working in estuarine environments in both low and high latitude systems (all seasons) on small boats and research vessels.
• Ability to conduct remote field work for extended periods ranging from 3-6 weeks.
• Experience with short- and long-term deployment of field instrumentation (for example, CTDs (RBR, YSI, Hobo, Star-Oddi), SeaFETS, LI-COR light meters, and Lowell tilt current meters; familiarity with in situ sensors (pressure, dissolved oxygen, PAR, and chlorophyll), and associated instrumentation software).
• Positive personality and ability to work in groups.
• Clear evidence of professional writing and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Word, R, Excel, and data acquisition programs.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary Range

$40,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around chemicals.
• May work around standard laboratory conditions.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at workstation.
• Use of manual dexterity

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.