- Agency
- Brackenridge Field Laboratory
- Location
- Austin, Texas
- Job Category
- Full Time Positions
- Salary
- $41,000+ depending on qualifications
- Start Date
- March 15, 2023 or when filled
- Website
- https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UTstaff/job/Research-Engineering-Scientist-Associate-I---The-Invasive-Species-Lab-at-the-Brackenridge-Field-Laboratory_R_00025460
- Description
- Job Description: Successful applicant will work with lead investigator to carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy ants, red-imported fire ants and natural enemies of these ants. Applicant will also be responsible for senior technician administrative responsibilities. Job Details: The Invasive Species Lab at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin is recruiting a senior invasive ant technician. The successful applicant will work in a team to conduct, and support applied and basic, organismal-level ecological research on invasive ants with questions relevant to the disciplines of biological control, population, behavioral, community, and chemical ecology. The applicant will be responsible for the organization, coordination and oversight of field and laboratory technical work. Lab work involves sample processing, specimen identification, chemical, genetic, and microbiological assays. Field work requires overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas and work outside in all seasons, including Texas summer. Camping out is required at some field sites. A tolerance of heat, insect bites and fire ant stings is necessary. Experimental protocols will sometimes require a non-standard work schedule involving long days, and occasional work on evenings, and/or weekends. Applicants will be trained in species level identification of Texas ants, phorid flies, and microsporidian pathogens. Given aptitude and funding, advancement to a position with project management responsibilities is possible. Position ends one year after initial start date. Position may be renewed based upon job performance. Responsibilities: (1) Perform field assays quantifying tawny crazy ant, imported fire ant and native ant abundances. Use GPS to set out transects and record features. Collect ant nests and specimens. Maintain detailed records of samples collected. (2) Maintain a detailed and organized lab and field notebook. (3) Process samples including staining and counting microsporidian spores from infected ants using a compound microscope, preparing samples for molecular analysis, and sorting ants and other arthropods from pitfall trap residues using a dissecting scope. (4) In collaboration with PI, create and execute tests of experimental hypotheses. Write detailed protocols and journals describing these and final experimental methodologies. Maintain data and process-oriented documents. Enter data in a timely and accurate manner. Write and update protocols and experimental journals. (5) Carefully curate data and specimens including: entering data, storing and labeling specimens in vials or in pinned collections. Clean and organize laboratory space. (6) Maintain lab group data records and sample processing tracking spreadsheets. Maintain experimental effort tracking calendar for lab group and ensure work is completed as planned. Track the effort allocated to funded projects. (7) Responsible for quality control oversight on the technical work performed by undergraduate and less senior technicians. (8) Responsible for overseeing that lab members are maintaining a clean and organized laboratory space and verifying that lab group vehicles are being maintained in a clean and roadworthy condition. (9) Responsible for the organization of physical collections such as samples stored in freezers and cabinets.
- Qualifications
- Required Qualifications: A Bachelors degree in a natural science field. A strong work ethic and attention to detail. Demonstrated organizational ability. Ability to work outside throughout the summer and carry loads over rough ground. Tolerance of heat and insect stings / bites. Fine motor skills. Commitment to safety. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Preferred Qualifications: Masters degree in biological science and / or two years of professional experience in a related field. Demonstrated organizational skills. Experience with project management. Strong background and interest in natural history, entomology, chemical ecology, behavioral ecology, and / or biological control. Experience in field ecological studies and experiments. Experience with insect identification. Experience with micro-dissection and microscopy. Laboratory experience in chemistry. Experience with molecular lab procedures. Experience analyzing genetic sequence data sets. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to perform as a member of a research team. Three-year driving record without accidents or tickets. Driving Required: This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current, three-year driving record from the state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of employment.
- Job Number
- 305