Job is a mixture of field and laboratory based investigation. The technician will follow the direction of the lead investigator to carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy ants and studies examining the biology and ecology of phorid fly parasitoids of fire ants. This is an excellent opportunity for someone planning on undertaking graduate study in ecology or a related field.
This job will be posted within the next week on the University of Texas Human Resources Site. Please apply there. https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/search/0/ . Search Laboratory Research Assistant III, and check back until it appears. The posting is below. Job title: Laboratory Research Assistant III FLSA status Non-exempt Posting number: Job status Open Basic Information Date available: 05/01/2014 Position duration: depending on grant funding. Position open to all applicants Monthly salary: $ 1907 negotiable depending on qualifications. Hours per week: 40.00 Variable Location Austin, TX (off-campus) Hiring department IntBio General notes: Job is a mixture of field and laboratory based investigation. Purpose of position: The technician will follow the direction of the lead investigator to carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy ants and studies examining the biology and ecology of phorid fly parasitoids of fire ants. The latter represents a contribution to the lab's long-standing efforts to use these parasitoids as biological control agents for imported fire ants. Essential functions: 1. Perform field assays of tawny crazy ant, native ant, and phorid fly abundances and experiments on species interactions and ecology (Function percent time: 40%). 2. Conduct behavioral assays in the laboratory. Growth rate experiments. Phorid culturing experiments. Pathogen transmission experiments. Micro-dissections of phorid flies and ants. (Function percent time: 40%). 3. Sort, identify and record ants and other arthropods from pitfall traps. Identify ants and phorid flies to species level and other arthropods to order level. Identify and record phorid flies from traps. (Function percent time: 10%). 4. Record all data in field datasheets, and enter data into spreadsheets. Use GPS to set out transects and record features. Store and label specimens in alcohol vials or in pinned collections. Curate materials and maintain records. (Function percent time: 10%). Marginal/Incidental functions: Maintain vehicles in clean, roadworthy condition. Maintain the lab workspace in a clean and orderly state. Organize work flow, and maintain activity schedule on multiple projects simultaneously. Collect fire ant colonies. Other related functions as assigned. Required qualifications: High school graduation or GED. A combination of two years of experience in a natural science field, or a technical laboratory. A strong work ethic and attention to detail. Ability to work outside throughout the summer and carry loads over rough ground. Tolerance of heat and insect bites. Fine motor skills. Commitment to safety. Licenses: Class "C" Operator's Driver's License. Applicant selected must provide a current three year Driving Record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within 30 days after entering Texas as a new resident. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Preferred qualifications: Undergraduate degree in biological science. Strong background and interest in entomology and ecology. Experience in field ecological studies and experiments. Experience with insect identification. Experience with micro-dissection. Laboratory experience in chemistry. Experience with molecular lab procedures. Computer skills including familiarity with spreadsheet manipulation, analysis and graphing in Microsoft Excel. Experience using GPS. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills needed. Ability to perform as a member of a dynamic research team. Working conditions: The field component requires overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas. Travel schedule varies with ongoing experimental agendas. Camping out will be required at some sites. Work will be outside during Texas summer, so exposure to all weather conditions and a high tolerance for heat, insect bites, and fire ant stings is required. Experimental protocols will require a non-standard work schedule. Work will sometimes involve long days and short weeks. Periodically, working evenings or early mornings, or work on Saturdays or Sundays will be required. Lifting, moving and hiking over rough ground required. Security sensitive: conviction verification conducted on applicant selected. The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. The University of Texas at Austin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era or special disabled veteran's status, or sexual orientation.
