Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate III

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate III to support the Harris Lab in Austin, TX. The role focuses on long-term rodent colony management, research assistance, and administrative tasks to enable cutting-edge neuroscience work.

Initial appointment is for two years with renewal based on performance and funding. The lab emphasizes growth, collaboration, and a positive culture, with a competitive benefits package for full-time staff.

Qualifications

• Degree in neuroscience, biology, or a related field.
• Experience with scientific equipment commonly used in college labs.
• Two or more years of prior research lab experience.
• Strong reliability, detail orientation, and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and recognize and respond to problems promptly.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Rodent colony management, daily monitoring, breeders, genotyping, and safety with animal facilities.
• Assist with experiments, data analysis, tissue processing for LM/EM imaging, and document protocols.
• Lab management and administrative duties, safety compliance, equipment upkeep, and supplies.
• Train students and staff in animal colony maintenance, lab safety, and procedures.
• Engage in projects by attending meetings and helping plan and run experiments.

Skills

Research experience

Attention to detail

Independent work

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience/biology or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Job Posting Title

Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate III

Hiring Department

Department of Neuroscience

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

FLSA Status

Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Nov 01, 2026

Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Oct 30, 2028

Location

AUSTIN, TX

Job Details

The lab of Dr. Kristen Harris is looking for a long-term staff to manage the rodent colony and provide research and administrative support for the lab.

The Harris lab focuses on research related to plasticity of synapse ultrastructure and neural connectivity. Learn more about our lab here: https://synapseweb.clm.utexas.edu/harris-lab

We provide opportunities for long-term growth and value candidates who want to contribute to a positive lab culture. Initial assignment will be for two years. Subsequent renewal of employment will be based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding.

The University of Texas at Austin offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees. Learn more about our benefits here: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits

Purpose

Provide research support and lab management and colony management support to the Harris Lab.

Responsibilities

• Rodent colony management: daily monitoring, managing breeders, genotyping, routine handling, assisting with procedures, and communicating with the animal facility personnel.
• Research support: support in experimental procedures, data analysis, and data management. Tasks include, but are not limited to, rodent surgeries, tissue harvesting and processing for light and electron microscopy, LM and EM imaging, post-processing and analysis of EM images, serving as a tester for software tools being developed in the lab, drafting and updating experimental protocols; recordkeeping and organizing documentation.
• Lab Management: support general lab management and administrative duties, including maintaining compliance on lab safety and animal use (e.g., site maintenance, testing safety equipment, managing hazardous waste disposal, recordkeeping, etc.); maintenance of lab equipment; requisition of lab supplies; basic laboratory organization and upkeep tasks.
• Train students and other staff in animal colony maintenance, lab safety and maintenance, and experimental procedures.
• Engage intellectually in projects by attending lab meetings and seminars and helping to plan and execute experiments.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in neuroscience, biology, or related field.
• Familiarity with scientific equipment ordinarily used in college laboratory work.
• Two or more years of prior experience working in a research lab. Research experience may include undergraduate research experience in a laboratory for more than just course work.
• Demonstrated reliability, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records and follow established procedures.
• Ability to work independently and recognize and respond to problems in a timely manner.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with rodent handling
• Experience using light and/or electron microscopy

Salary

$55,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around chemicals and chemical fumes
• May work around biohazards
• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Climbing up the stairs
• Climbing 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) and 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.