Undergraduate Research Assistant: Ant and arthropod identification Spring 2026

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

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FLSA Status:

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Earliest Start Date:

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Job Details:

Job Description

An Undergraduate Research Assistant will assist with long term research of ant communities at the Brackenridge Field Lab, located off the main UT campus, where science is studied and taught in an open and mentor-based environment.  The student will sort and identify ants and other arthropods that have been collected in several long-term surveys of the ant community at the field station.

Job responsibilities:

• Familiarize self with protocol, research objectives and tasks.
• Plan and prepare materials and samples
• Sort and group ant and arthropod samples into morphospecies
• Prepare representative ants on pinned mounting points
• Label specimens
• Identify ants to genus (species if possible) using BFL ant guide and other keys
• Identify other arthropod morphospecies to Order or Family using dichotomous keys
• Curate all samples
• Record the sample data in a Box spreadsheet
• Write up a report on the activities

Qualifications:

Current UT student in undergraduate program related to biological sciences.

Work Schedule:

Spring 2026 appointment: Min 10 hours/week, max 15 hours/week. 3+ hour blocks required.

Location: Brackenridge Field Laboratory, UT Insect Collection

Duration:

This position is available for Spring 2026.

Salary:

$12.50/hour for Lower Division, $15.00/hour for Upper Division

Applicants must include:

Letter of interest, state availability and other time commitments in Spring 2026.

CV with relevant coursework, GPA & research experience

Names of 2 references

Preferences

Majors

EEB, Plant Biology, Zoology, Biology, Ecology

Desired skills:

• Entomology coursework
• Use of stereo microscope, handling of fragile samples
• Highly organized
• Data recording experience
• Responsible time management

• A passion for learning and contributing
• Team-oriented
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to maintain focus with repetitive tasks
• Good communication skills, written and oral

Career Competencies Gained:

• Research experience in BFL invasive species lab and UT Insect Collection.
• Communicate in a clear and organized manner so that others can effectively understand
• Make decisions and solve problems using sound, inclusive reasoning and judgment
• Act equitably with integrity and accountability to self, others, and the organization
• Demonstrate attentiveness to detail and reliability

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Employment Eligibility:

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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). 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.