Research Enginerring/Scientist Assistant

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a Research Enginering/Scientist Assistant to manage the ultra-trace gas analysis system, assist in sea expeditions, and coordinate equipment shipping and data processing.

The role requires a scientific/engineering background, field and lab experience, and strong organizational and communication skills. Part-time (20 hours/week) with start in Oct 2026 and potential extension. Based in Austin, TX.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering or technical field.
• Experience operating analytical instruments; gas chromatographs.
• Experience in sea-going expeditions or oceanographic observations at sea.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications; Linux preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

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.

Skills

Data analysis

Lab operations

Logistics coordination

Field work

Literature review

Education

Bachelor's in science/engineering/technical

Instrumentation training preferred

Tools

Gas chromatographs

Linux

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)

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 (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.

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Comments and Inquiries

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Additional Job Information

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