Undergraduate Research Assistant Work Study

University of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Work‑Study eligibility

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin is seeking an Undergraduate Research Assistant Work Study to support laboratory operations in Austin. The role is 10 hours per week with immediate start, and the position extends until July 5, 2027.

You will assist with solutions, media prep, and routine lab tasks within a research setting. The candidate should be an undergraduate in a natural sciences field, with prior lab experience and strong organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin.
• Major in a natural sciences discipline.
• Previous laboratory experience.
• Flexible schedule and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory solutions and nutrient media (buffers, antibiotic stocks, LB media, plates).
• Wash, sterilize, and organize glassware and equipment (including autoclaving).
• Maintain lab upkeep (eyewash, radioactive surveys, restocking, biohazard waste).
• Assist with laboratory recycling on a bi‑monthly schedule.
• Support general lab tasks as needed (may vary by lab/research need).

Skills

Excel

Lab skills

Organization

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Undergraduate student

Natural sciences major

Job description

Job Posting Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant Work Study

Location: Austin, Texas. Weekly hours: 10. Position duration: until July 5, 2027. FLSA status: Non‑Exempt. Earliest start date: Immediately.

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: maintaining the eyewash station, conducting radioactive surveys, restocking 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 (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; able 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.

Working Conditions

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

Required Materials

• Resume/CV.
• Three work references with contact information; at least one reference from a supervisor.
• Letter of interest.

Employment Eligibility

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

Retirement Plan Eligibility

Students may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement program.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalists 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.

Employment Eligibility Verification

After hire, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I‑9 form and present acceptable and original documents to prove identity and authorization to work in the United States no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment.

E‑Verify

The University of Texas at Austin uses E‑Verify to check work authorization of all new hires. The university’s company ID number is 854197.

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under TitleIX and the JeanneClery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). The University also provides resources for reporting and access to annual security and fire safety reports.