Undergraduate Research Assistant: Lichen ecology and air quality research Fall 2026

Job Posting Title

Undergraduate Research Assistant: Lichen ecology and air quality research Fall 2026 ----

Hiring Department

Department of Integrative Biology ----

Position Open To

All Applicants ----

Weekly Scheduled Hours

15 ----

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt from FLSA ----

Earliest Start Date

Aug 16, 2026 ----

Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2026 ----

Location

UT MAIN CAMPUS ----

Job Details

The Department of Integrative Biology is seeking highly motivated, organized, and dependable undergraduate students to participate in a campus-wide survey of lichen biodiversity at the UT main campus and the Brackenridge Field Labs (BFL). A background in science is not required for this position, but a willingness to learn about science is necessary.

Lichens, often overlooked, are sensitive to pollution, making them useful as biological indicators of air quality. In this project, students will help document lichen diversity by engaging in hands-on field surveys of lichen communities between the main UT campus and BFL. We will generate a dataset allowing us to compare how air quality varies across UT and BFL.

No previous research experience or background in biology is required. With this position, you will gain hands-on experience in conducting ecological surveys, curating datasets, and analyzing data. You will develop knowledge of lichen morphology, field techniques, data entry, and metadata management. There will be opportunities for individual projects and presentation of results at local or regional conferences.

Job responsibilities

• Perform field surveys of lichen diversity based on physical characteristics.
• Curate and maintain datasets.
• Assess spatial patterns of lichen diversity.
• Prepare field materials and supplies.
• Sample curation and data management of results.

Qualifications

Current UT students in undergraduate programs. Open to any major at the university.

Work Schedule

• Flexible 10 hours per week, 3+ hour blocks required.
• Location: UT main campus and the Brackenridge Field Laboratory.

Duration

This position is available for Fall 2026 (Aug - Dec); with a possibility of extension to Spring 2027.

Salary

$15.00/hour

Applicants must include

• Resume/CV
• 2 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
• Letter of interest, state availability, and other time commitments in Fall 2026.

Career Competencies Gained

• Communicate science 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

Desired skills

• 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

Work Authorization

• US work authorization is not required
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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. ----

Retirement Plan Eligibility

Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs. ----

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.