Field and laboratory technician position available at the Brackenridge Field
Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin.
General Position Notes: Job is a mixture of field and laboratory based
investigation. Job requires frequent overnight travel to field sites in
remote regions of Texas. Camping out will be required at some sites. Work
will be outside during Texas summer. Experimental protocols will require a
non-standard work schedule. Work will often involve long days and short
weeks, working evenings, mornings and/or weekends.
Purpose: Technician will follow the direction of the lead investigator to
carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy and
natural enemies of this ant, including microsporidian pathogens and phorid
fly parasitoids.
Apply at: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/160715014480
Details below.
Date available: 07/25/2016
Position duration: Funding expected to continue
Monthly salary: $1907 negotiable depending on qualifications.
Hours per week: 40.00 Variable
Location: Austin, TX (off-campus)
Hiring department: Intb-PI-Gilbert http://www.utexas.edu/research/bfl/
Number of vacancies 1
Driving a UT vehicle is an essential function of the position.
Essential Functions
• Function 1: Perform field assays of tawny crazy ant, and native ant
abundances and experiments on species interactions and ecology.
• Function 1 Percent Time: 30.00 %
•
• Function 2: Conduct laboratory experiments investigating the biology of
a
microsporidian pathogen and a phorid fly parasitoid of this ant.
• Function 2 Percent Time: 25.00 %
•
• Function 3: Conducting experiments into the chemical ecology of ant
species interactions.
• Function 3 Percent Time: 25.00 %
•
• Function 4: Staining and counting microsporidian spore loads in infected
ants using compound microscope. 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. Function 4 Percent Time: 10.00 %
•
• Function 5: 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 5 Percent Time: 10.00 %
Essential Functions Percent Time Total: 100.00 %
Marginal/Incidental Functions
Maintain vehicles in clean, roadworthy condition. Maintain the workspace in
a 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 stings / bites. Fine
motor skills. Commitment to safety.
Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be
substituted as appropriate: Yes
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelors or masters 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 and microscopy. 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.
