Undergraduate Research Assistant Work Study

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 19,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking an Undergraduate Research Assistant for a work-study position in the Molecular Biosciences department. The role focuses on hands-on laboratory support, preparation of media, waste handling, and general maintenance of equipment to support ongoing research projects.

You must be an undergraduate student in the natural sciences, with prior laboratory experience and a reliable, detail-oriented work style.

Qualifications

• Major in a natural sciences discipline.
• Previous laboratory experience.
• Current undergraduate student at UT Austin.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Highly organized with the ability to plan ahead and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Flexible schedule.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar software.

Responsibilities

• Preparing laboratory solutions and nutrient media, including buffers, antibiotic stocks, LB media, and plates.
• Washing, sterilizing, and organizing laboratory glassware and equipment, including autoclaving.
• Maintaining the eyewash station and conducting radioactive surveys.
• Restocking laboratory supplies and replacing biohazard waste containers.
• Cleaning water baths and tagging hazardous waste.
• Assisting with laboratory recycling on a bi-monthly schedule.
• Completing other general laboratory support tasks as assigned.

Skills

Lab experience

Organizational skills

Excel

Education

Undergraduate student in natural sciences

Current UT Austin student

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Posting Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant Work Study - Hiring Department: Molecular Biosciences - Position Open To: All Applicants - Weekly Scheduled Hours: 10 - FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA - Earliest Start Date: Immediately - Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Jul 05, 2027 - Location: AUSTIN, TX

Purpose

The Dr. Lambowitz Laboratory in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and dependable undergraduate student to serve as a Laboratory Assistant.

Responsibilities

• Preparing laboratory solutions and nutrient media, including buffers, antibiotic stocks, LB media, and plates.
• Washing, sterilizing, and organizing laboratory glassware and equipment, including autoclaving.
• Performing general laboratory maintenance, including:
• Maintaining the eyewash station
• Conducting radioactive surveys
• Restocking laboratory supplies
• Replacing biohazard waste containers
• Cleaning water baths
• Tagging hazardous waste.
• Assisting with laboratory recycling on a bi-monthly schedule.
• Completing other general laboratory support tasks as assigned.

Note: Responsibilities may change based on laboratory and research needs.

Required Qualifications

• Major in a natural sciences discipline.
• Previous laboratory experience.
• Current undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Highly organized with the ability to plan ahead and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Flexible schedule.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar software.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work-Study authorization.
• Freshman, sophomore, or junior standing is preferred.

Hourly Rate

$12 - $14

Working Conditions

• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished).
• May work around chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around biohazards.
• May work around chemicals.

Employment Eligibility

Please confirm your eligibility for this position here: http://www.utexas.edu/hr/student/student_acad_employment.html

Retirement Plan Eligibility

Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.

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 become 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.

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.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services.

Note

UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus