Undergraduate Research Assistant – Zebrafish Husbandry

University of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 5,400 - 7,200; Part time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin invites undergraduates to apply for an Undergraduate Research Assistant - Zebrafish Husbandry role in the Garner Lab, within the Department of Molecular Biosciences. You will support daily zebrafish husbandry and maintain the fish facility, under supervision and with rotating schedules.

Responsibilities include feeding fish, cleaning tanks, documenting care, and assisting with routine maintenance.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student located in Austin, TX.
• Commit to a regular recurring weekly schedule, including weekend shifts.
• Availability for consistent morning and/or afternoon schedule throughout the semester.
• Availability for scheduled weekend and holiday feeds.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow written and verbal animal-care procedures carefully and consistently.
• Ability to work independently after training and communicate promptly if unable to complete a shift.
• Consistent attendance and completion of animal-care responsibilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Feed zebrafish daily according to schedules and protocols.
• Maintain a consistent recurring morning or afternoon feeding schedule, including weekends.
• Assist with routine husbandry and fish-room maintenance (washing tanks, restocking supplies, cleaning).
• Monitor and document animal care.
• Observe fish and tanks for health or equipment issues and report abnormalities.

Skills

Reliability

Punctuality

Attention to detail

Ability to follow procedures

Independent work after training

Consistent attendance

Education

Undergraduate student

Job description

Undergraduate Research Assistant - Zebrafish Husbandry

Purpose

The Garner Lab (www.rikkigarnerlab.org) in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at The University of Texas at Austin seeks two reliable undergraduate assistants to support daily zebrafish husbandry and fish facility maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Feed zebrafish daily according to established schedules and husbandry protocols.
• Students will be assigned a consistent recurring morning or afternoon feeding schedule, including weekend and holiday shifts.
• Assist with routine zebrafish husbandry and fish-room maintenance, which may include washing tanks and husbandry equipment, restocking supplies, cleaning and organizing fish-room materials, sweeping and mopping the floors, and preparing routine feeding supplies.
• Monitor and document animal care.
• Observe fish and tanks for obvious health, feeding, or equipment concerns; maintain accurate records of completed animal-care tasks; and promptly notify laboratory staff of abnormalities or missed/anticipated shifts.

Required Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student located physically in Austin, TX.
• Ability to commit to a regular recurring weekly schedule, including weekend shifts.
• Availability for a consistent morning and/or afternoon schedule throughout the semester.
• Availability for scheduled weekend and holiday feeds.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow written and verbal animal-care procedures carefully and consistently.
• Ability to work independently after training and communicate promptly if unable to complete an assigned shift.
• Because this position involves the care of live animals, consistent attendance and completion of assigned animal-care responsibilities are essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience caring for animals, fish, aquariums, or laboratory animals is preferred but not required.
• Previous experience with zebrafish is a plus.
• Interest in biology, marine science, animal science, biomedical research, or a related field is desirable.

Hourly Rate

$15.00 / hour + depending on qualifications

Work Location & Hours

• Location: Austin, TX.
• Weekly Scheduled Hours: 7.
• Work Shift: 5-7 hours per week. Scheduled weekend and occasional holiday feeds will be required.
• Personal protection equipment (furnished) – May work around chemical fumes, standard office conditions, biohazards, chemicals.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV.
• Work-study award, if applicable.
• Letter of interest (short paragraph, ~5-7 sentences, including Fall 2026 class schedule / availability).

Employment Eligibility

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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, 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.

About Us & 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.

Contact & 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. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus