Job Posting Title:
Undergraduate Research Assistant – Invasive grass ecology image analysis
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Hiring Department:
Department of Integrative Biology
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
15
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FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
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Earliest Start Date:
Jan 01, 2026
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until May 15, 2026
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Location:
BRACKENRIDGE FIELD LAB
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Job Details:
Job Description
Brackenridge Field Lab’s invasive grassland ecology group is looking for a motivated student to assist in our studies of invasive grass impacts on Texas rangelands. The focal study explores ungulate activity through a long-term camera trap network on a large ranch. We’re using counts of ungulates to estimate the effectiveness of adaptive grazing management, and seasonal phenology of plants. The primary duty will be evaluation and scoring of these large image sets. Other tasks that may arise would support parallel studies in the lab and greenhouse.
Job responsibilities:
- Score images for ungulate presence and activities. Process images of ungulates through Microsoft Access forms and export to Excel.
- Score images for plant morphometrics. Use ImageJ to measure plants.
- Organize and maintain detailed tracking of images and ensure data is accurately recorded.
- Other duties may support greenhouse studies (cleaning supplies, pots, maintaining irrigation systems) and lab logistics (organizing and cleaning field equipment).
- Attend weekly meetings, write weekly reports, and email communication.
Qualifications:
Current UT student in undergraduate program related to biological or environmental sciences.
Work Schedule:
Will be determined based on applicant availability. Min 8 hours/week, max 15 hours/week, min 3-hour blocks of time.
Location:
Brackenridge Field Laboratory, with the possibility of some remote work
Duration:
This position is available for Spring 2026 (2 Jan – 31 May); with a possibility of extension to Summer 2026.
Salary:
$12.50/hour for Lower Division, $15.00/hour for Upper Division
Applicants must include:
Letter of interest, state availability (dates and hours/week).
CV with relevant coursework, GPA, research experience
Names of 2 references
Career Competencies Gained:
- Communicate regularly in a clear and effective manner
- Make decisions and solve problems using sound reasoning and judgment
- Act with integrity and accountability to self, others, and the organization
- Demonstrate attentiveness to detail and reliability
- Build skills related to data management and interpretation
Desired skills:
- Data recording experience
- Responsible time management
- Team-oriented
- Detail-oriented
- Ability to maintain focus with repetitive tasks
- Good communication skills, written and oral
- Interest in data management, manipulation and analyses in R, Access, or other data management software.
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Employment Eligibility:
Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
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Retirement Plan Eligibility:
Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.
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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:
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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.
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