Staff Laboratory Assistant III (Full-Time, Temporary)

Sam Houston State University; Huntsville (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, is seeking a Staff Laboratory Assistant III (Full-Time, Temporary) to support grant-funded research, field surveys, and environmental monitoring. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in biology or related field, with a master’s preferred, and at least one year of relevant experience.

The position involves statewide fieldwork, laboratory processing, data entry, and supervision of student assistants, with travel, outdoor work in varying

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology, environmental science, forensic science, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in biology, environmental science, forensic science, or a related field is preferred.
• One year of experience in field biology, biological or environmental surveys, laboratory work, or a related area is required.
• A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply routine directives with limited judgment.
• Conduct statewide field surveys and sampling.
• Identify and document survey locations.
• Deploy, service, and retrieve traps.
• Collect samples (insect, plant, soil, water, etc.).
• Process, label, preserve, inventory samples.
• Enter and review project data; maintain logs and QA documentation.
• Prepare field and laboratory equipment; coordinate project activities.
• Provide supervision to student assistants as assigned.
• Follow safety procedures and project protocols.

Skills

Field biology

Laboratory work

Data collection

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology/environmental science/forensic science (or related field)

Master’s degree in biology/environmental science/forensic science (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Staff Laboratory Assistant III (Full-Time, Temporary)

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging. SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package , competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Requisition 202600356S Title Staff Laboratory Assistant III (Full-Time, Temporary) FLSA status Non-Exempt Hiring Salary This position is a pay grade 6. Please see Pay Grade Table at: https://pa-hrsuite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/116/docs/550174.pdf . This is a full-time, temporary, benefits eligible, grant funded position expected to end on or before 08/31/2027. Continuation of this position is contingent upon continued funding. Occupational Category Service Maintenance Department TRIES Division Division of Academic Affairs Open Date 11/09/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Educational and Experience Requirement Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology, environmental science, forensic science, or a related field. Master’s degree in biology, environmental science, forensic science, or a related field is preferred. One year of experience in field biology, biological or environmental surveys, laboratory work, or a related area is required. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Nature & Purpose of Position Performs under supervision a wide variety of routine and technical tasks in support of grant-funded research, field surveys, environmental sampling, laboratory activities, biological specimen processing, data collection, and education and outreach programs. Supports multiple projects involving invasive plant pests, agricultural commodities, biological specimens, and environmental monitoring. This is a full-time, temporary, benefits eligible, grant funded position expected to end on or before 08/31/2027. Continuation of this position is contingent upon continued funding. Primary Responsibilities Interprets and applies routine but moderately complex directives requiring limited judgment, ordinary attention, and care. Conducts statewide field surveys and sampling. Identifies and documents survey locations. Deploys, services, and retrieves traps. Collects insect, plant, soil, water, or other project samples. Processes, sorts, labels, preserves, curates, and inventories samples and assists with preliminary identification and routine laboratory procedures. Enters and reviews project data and maintains field logs, photographs, sample records, and quality-assurance documentation. Prepares and maintains field and laboratory equipment, sampling supplies, vehicles, and work areas. Assists with education and outreach programs, coordinates assigned activities with the project team. Provides working supervision to student assistants as assigned. Performs other related duties as assigned. Other Specifications Must be familiar with common field and laboratory equipment and able to follow oral and written instructions, maps, sampling plans, safety procedures, and project protocols. Must be able to organize assignments and biological samples, maintain accurate records, and use Microsoft Excel or comparable software. Requires frequent statewide travel, including occasional overnight travel, and a modified schedule that may include early mornings or evenings. Work may occur outdoors in heat, humidity, rain, and uneven terrain and may require transporting field equipment and samples. Frequent contact with students, staff, researchers, landowners, agency partners, and members of the public is expected. Full Time Part Time Full Time Position Number Quicklink https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/49184

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.