Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate II

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin Molecular Biosciences department is seeking a Research Engineering/Scientist Associate II to support shared equipment, spaces, and resources in a dynamic research environment in Austin. This exempt role focuses on infrastructure, safety, and coordination with campus partners.

Key duties include maintaining equipment records, coordinating with EHS, and guiding user training while ensuring compliance and efficient operation of cold rooms, freezers, and IT assets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, life science or related field.
• Two years of laboratory experience.
• Previous employment in a research lab with equipment experience.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and advise on shared research equipment, maintenance, service agreements, and repair-versus-replacement recommendations.
• Conduct routine inspections and maintenance of shared equipment, including freezers and MilliQ systems, and maintain current service contracts, vendor contacts, and equipment records.
• Serve as a liaison with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) regarding chemical disposal, equipment decontamination, and laboratory safety requirements.
• Oversee the care, stocking, maintenance, and general functionality of shared MBS research spaces, including cold rooms, dark rooms, film processors, and autoclaves.
• Manage user training, equipment usage logs, and compliance requirements for shared equipment and spaces.
• Coordinate with CNS Facilities, EHS, and other university partners on laboratory closeouts, moves, renovations, surplus activities, and related infrastructure projects.
• Serve as a liaison with CBRS and other UT departments to support MBS research equipment and space needs.
• Coordinate with CNS IT on shared IT equipment, troubleshooting, and surplus electronic equipment.
• Collaborate with the MBS Administrative team to maintain accurate space assignments, maps, inventory records, and related departmental information.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/biochemistry/life science

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate II

Hiring Department:

Molecular Biosciences

Position Open To:

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

20

FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

Job Details

General Notes

The Department of Molecular Biosciences leads in research and education spanning molecular, microbial, cellular, developmental, chemical, plant, structural and systems biology. Exploring the molecular foundations of biology and disease, our faculty include world experts in cell and developmental biology, systems and synthetic biology and structural biology. Our faculty and their teams not only make discoveries that change the world, but they also leverage these discoveries into state-of-the-art courses and training experiences for undergraduate and graduate students as part of our core educational mission.

Purpose

To support the Department of Molecular Biosciences research infrastructure by strategically assisting with shared equipment, spaces, and resources.

Responsibilities

• In close partnership with MBS Chair, Director and Chair of MBS Infrastructure Committee, oversee and strategically advise on MBS shared research equipment, including maintenance, service agreements, troubleshooting, and repair-versus-replacement recommendations.
• Conduct routine inspections and maintenance of shared equipment, including freezers and MilliQ systems, and maintain current service contracts, vendor contacts, and equipment records.
• Serve as a liaison with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) regarding chemical disposal, equipment decontamination, and laboratory safety requirements.
• Oversee the care, stocking, maintenance, and general functionality of shared MBS research spaces, including cold rooms, dark rooms, film processors, and autoclaves.
• Manage user training, equipment usage logs, and compliance requirements for shared equipment and spaces.
• Coordinate with CNS Facilities, EHS, and other university partners on laboratory closeouts, moves, renovations, surplus activities, and related infrastructure projects.
• Serve as a liaison with CBRS and other UT departments to support MBS research equipment and space needs.
• Coordinate with CNS IT on shared IT equipment, troubleshooting, and surplus electronic equipment.
• Collaborate with the MBS Administrative team to maintain accurate space assignments, maps, inventory records, and related departmental information.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, life science or related field and two years of laboratory experience. Previous employment in a research lab with familiarity in using and maintaining lab equipment. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

More than the required experience in a research lab. Additional experience maintaining laboratory equipment. Experience in project management. Knowledge of University of Texas inventory systems and processes.

Salary Range

$48,000 (prorated: 24,000) + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around chemicals and chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around biohazards.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Climbing of stairs.
• Climbing of ladders.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds.

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.