Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate III

University of Texas; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin located in Austin, TX seeks a Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate III to manage the rodent colony and provide research and administrative support for the Harris Lab. The role supports experiments, data analysis, and protocol development, with emphasis on EM imaging and tissue processing.

The position is full-time, with a 40-hour workweek, exempt from FLSA, and a start date around Nov 1, 2026, with potential for renewal based on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• Degree in neuroscience, biology, or related field required.
• Familiarity with scientific equipment used in college labs.
• Two or more years of prior research lab experience.

Responsibilities

• Rodent colony management including daily monitoring, breeders, genotyping, handling, and liaison with animal facility staff.
• Support in experimental procedures, data analysis, and data management including EM imaging post-processing.
• Lab management and administrative duties, safety compliance, equipment maintenance, and recordkeeping.
• Train students and staff in animal colony maintenance, safety, and procedures.

Skills

Familiarity with laboratory equipment

Education

Degree in neuroscience, biology, or related field

Tools

Light microscopy

Electron microscopy

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:****General Notes**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-labWe 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 **Important** **for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:** You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.