Research Enginerring/Scientist Assistant

utaustin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin’s Department of Marine Science seeks a Research Enginering/Scientist Assistant to manage the trace gas analysis system, assist in sea expeditions, coordinate equipment shipping and logistics, and process oceanographic data.

Responsibilities include operating and maintaining the ultra-trace dissolved gas analysis setup, handling field logistics, and performing general lab management and data workflows under the PI's supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering or technical field required.
• Experience with analytical instruments and gas chromatographs preferred.
• Willingness to participate in sea-going expeditions and fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate the ultra-trace level dissolved gas analysis system.
• Coordinate equipment shipments for sea expeditions and purchases.
• General lab management and data processing under the PI's supervision.

Skills

Instrument operation

Field expeditions

Logistics coordination

Data processing

Laboratory management

Linux basics

Gas chromatographs

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering or technical field

Job description

Job Posting Title

Research Enginerring/Scientist Assistant

Hiring Department

Department of Marine Science

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

20

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Oct 20, 2026

Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Jul 31, 2027

Location

AUSTIN, TX

Job Details

General Notes: This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer now and in the future without sponsorship.

Purpose

The Min Lab at the Department of Marine Science at the University of Texas at Austin is seeking a talented and motivated individual to manage the trace gas analysis system, participate in the sea-going expedition, coordinate equipment shipping and logistics, and process the oceanographic data.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate the ultra-trace level dissolved gas analysis system in the lab and during sea fieldwork.
• Handle logistics of equipment shipments for sea expeditions and purchases.
• General lab management and data processing with the PI's supervision.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering or technical field

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering or technical field; training in instrumentation, electronics or marine science discipline preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret scientific literature and technical instrument manuals relevant to the field.
• Experience operating and maintaining analytical instruments; particularly gas chromatographs.
• Experience in sea-going scientific expeditions or conducting oceanographic observations at sea.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications; experience with Linux preferred.
• Experience processing, analyzing, and managing scientific data.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• A strong work ethic, a proactive attitude, and effective written and verbal communication skills.

Salary Range

$17.10 hourly

Working Conditions

In the lab - work in the lab with normal lab conditions; handle compressed gas and some hazardous materials such as ethanol.

In the field (sea-going expedition) - physical agility needed; outdoor work possibly in inclement weather; 12-hr work shift for 7 days a week during the field operation out at sea (overtime pay)

Work Shift

November 1, 2026 - July 31, 2027 (may be extended)

You will be working on the UT Austin main campus 20 hours per week for a period of 6 months (in lab) and then 40+ hours per week for 3 months (out at sea)

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 affi