Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II

University of Texas; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin seeks a full-time Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II to support lab-based research in the Champagne Lab. The role requires a Bachelor's in Biological Sciences or related field and at least 2 years of post-bac wet lab experience, including DNA/RNA extraction.

Responsibilities include wet lab work, lab management, project coordination, and data analysis with manuscript preparation. Knowledge of epigenetics is highly recommended.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a related field.
• At least 2 years of post-bac wet lab research experience.
• Molecular lab experience (RNA/DNA extraction).
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Wet lab work (tissue extraction, DNA/RNA extraction, histology).
• Lab/personnel management (compliance, training, ordering supplies).
• Project coordination.
• Data analyses and manuscript preparation.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related field

Tools

RNA/DNA extraction

Job description

Job Posting Title

Social Science/Humanities Research Associate II

Hiring Department

Department of Psychology

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Oct 01, 2026

Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Sep 30, 2027

Location

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

The position is for a full-time Science/Humanities Research Associate II to assist with and conduct lab based research in the Champagne Lab in SEA. The applicant must have a Bachelor's degree in the Biological Sciences or a related field and have at least 2 years of post-bac experience as a lab technician/researcher. Duties will include conducting benchwork laboratory procedures involving extraction and QC analyses of DNA/RNA, assisting with molecular hormonal and neurobiological analyses, lab organization, ordering supplies and maintaining lab safety protocols. Applicant must have good communication skills and be able to work diligently and independently. Knowledge of epigenetics and molecular protocols is highly recommended. This is a one-year fixed-term position. Purpose To support research activities in the Champagne Lab associated with ongoing studies of the epigenetic impact of early life environments.

Responsibilities

• Wet lab work (tissue extraction, DNA/RNA extraction, histology)
• Lab/personnel management (compliance, training, ordering supplies)
• Project coordination
• Data analyses and manuscript preparation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the Biological Sciences or a related field.
• At least 2 years of post-bac wet lab research experience.
• Molecular lab experience (RNA/DNA extraction).
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skilled in use of R or equivalent statics/analyses software.
• Lab management experience.
• Knowledge of human and animal brain anatomy.

Salary Range

$45,000 - $50,000

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 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. If this position is identified as 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.

Company Culture

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.

Student Employment

Looking for a student job? Please see our Student Employment site.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment.

Contact Information

For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone].

Other Information

UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus