Research Associate, Research Scientist

Job Title

Research Associate

Department of Marine Science

• Weekly Scheduled
  
  Hours:
  
  40
• FLSA Status:
  Exempt
• Earliest
  
  Start Date:
  
  Feb 27, 2026
• Position Duration:
  Expected to Continue
• Location:
  
  MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE

The purpose of this position is daily operations of the Center for Coastal Ocean Science exposure and effluent facilities and other facilities as appropriate, overseeing technical operations for research and testing activities on behalf of internal and external clients. This position is responsible for developing and implementing all internal processes to maintain the ability to conduct scientific experiments as well as other conformance and regulatory requirements.

This position is responsible for the maintenance, calibration, and day‑to‑day operation of laboratory equipment in these facilities.

• Design, operate and maintain multi‑purpose culture, static, flow‑through, and recirculating flow systems and laboratories in the Center for Coastal Ocean Science, including the operations and maintenance of an automated flow‑through toxicology exposure chamber.
• Assist in writing scientific proposals to obtain long‑term funding.
• Assist in operating a seawater intake and filtration system to maintain a constant supply of clean water to CCOS and other facilities.
• Design and implement a preventive maintenance plan for aquaculture and exposure systems to ensure continuous operation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve system alarms to prevent equipment damage and/or experiment failure; provide electrical and plumbing support for repair, maintenance, and redesign of exposure systems to achieve scientific objectives.
• Provide scientific and technical expertise to students and faculty to ensure experiments are designed to operate within facility parameters; schedule, coordinate and manage multiple research facilities to ensure faculty research goals are met in a timely manner.
• Operate CCOS effluent treatment system and waste disposal to ensure compliance.
• Conduct other duties as assigned in support of research operations.

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline and at least one year of experience in aquatic toxicology.
• Experience with aquatic husbandry for freshwater and marine vertebrates and invertebrates.
• Demonstrated scientific, analytical, and numerical skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly in both written and verbal formats.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation practices.
• Effective teamwork and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across various groups.
• Flexibility in schedule and approach to support operational and system needs.
• Working knowledge of plumbing, hydrodynamics, and automated process control systems, including circuitry, programmable logic controllers and system I/O.
• Experience with contamination control and hazardous materials handling, shipping, and disposal.
• Experience managing and operating a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) laboratory.

• More than five years’ experience in aquatic toxicology.

This job requires a class “C” operator’s driver’s license. The applicant must provide a current three‑year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver’s license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre‑employment, post‑accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return‑to‑duty, and follow‑up drug and alcohol testing).

$76,000 + depending on qualifications

• May work in a standard office setting.
• May work around chemicals in a molecular biology laboratory.
• May work around chemicals in a toxicology laboratory.
• May work around complex machinery.
• May work with living animals.

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
• Letter of interest.

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.