We are seeking a Research Technician for a project investigating the impacts of tawny crazy ants on cave invertebrates. The work will focus on assessing impacts and evaluating two methods to control crazy ant populations around cave entrances without negatively impacting cave invertebrates. The job is based at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory at the at the University of Texas at Austin. Details on preferred qualifications and other aspects of the job opportunity can be found in the text below. We anticipate closing the position within the next 2 weeks.
Please apply through the following website: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/151110014480 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 + depending on qualifications. Hours per week: 40.00 Variable Location Austin, TX (off-campus) Hiring department IntBio-PI-Gilbert 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 evaluating approaches to sustainably control populations of tawny crazy. In particular, research will focus on controlling these ants in and around cave environments, a habitat with may endangered invertebrates in central Texas. Essential functions: 1. Perform field assays of tawny crazy ants, cave cricket and other karst invertebrate abundances. Perform field assays of microsporidian pathogen infection prevalence and intensity. (Function percent time: 25%). 2. Conduct laboratory experiments examining pathogen transmission, and boric acid toxicity. (Function percent time: 25%). 3. Maintain insecticidal bait station array. (Function percent time: 20%). 4. Sort, identify and record ants and other arthropods from pitfall traps. Identify ants to species level and other arthropods to order level. (Function percent time: 10%). 5. Assist in cave surveys of ant densities. Spelunking required. (Function percent time: 10%) 6. 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. 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. Ability to work in a cave environment: no difficulties with dark, enclosed spaces. Commitment to working safely. 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 molecular lab procedures. College level coursework in chemistry and environmental sciences. 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. Some work takes place in cave environments. 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.
