Undergraduate Research Assistant (work-study)

University of Texas at Austin; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking an Undergraduate Research Assistant (work-study) in the Department of Neuroscience to support daily lab operations. The Harris lab will provide training and oversight for animal care and data collection on the UT Main Campus.

This on-site role requires a Federal Work-Study award, a 19-hour work week, and a commitment through at least one year. Primary duties include husbandry, genotyping, data recording, and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to self-direct and work independently.
• Ability to receive and incorporate feedback into a skillset.
• Ability to promptly respond to emails on weekdays.
• Available to commit to a minimum of one year.
• Federal Work-Study award for current academic year is required.

Responsibilities

• Husbandry: set up breeding pairs, check for litters, wean.
• Genotyping: ID animals, collect tissue samples, and send samples for sequencing.
• Animal handling: acclimate animals to human handling, document animal weights.
• Detailed record keeping: births, deaths, genotype, cage census, etc.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Independent work

Feedback incorporation

Prompt email responses

Microsoft Excel basics

Federal Work-Study eligible

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Undergraduate Research Assistant (work-study)

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Hiring Department:

Department of Neuroscience

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

19

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Oct 01, 2026

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2026

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Harris lab in the Department of Neuroscience is looking for a reliable Undergraduate Research Assistant to provide daily support with our animal colony. The right candidate will receive training.

• A work-study award for academic year 2026-27 is required

• Learn more about our lab here: https://synapseweb.clm.utexas.edu/

Purpose

To provide research support to the Harris Lab in the Department of Neuroscience.

Responsibilities

• Husbandry: set up breeding pairs, check for litters, wean
• Genotyping: ID animals, collect tissue samples, and send samples for sequencing
• Animal handling: Acclimate animals to human handling, document animal weights
• Detailed record keeping: births, deaths, genotype, cage census, etc

Required Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to self-direct and work independently
• Ability to receive and incorporate feedback into a skillset
• Ability to promptly respond to emails on weekdays
• Available to commit to a minimum of one year
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Federal Work-Study award for current academic year is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a research setting.
• Experience with database management and relevant software tools.

Hourly Rate

$18.00

Working Conditions

• May work around chemicals and chemical fumes
• May work around biohazards
• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Climbing up the stair
• Climbing ladders
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds

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:

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.

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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]

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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) 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.