Work Study Political Science Research Assistant Jobs

Job Posting Title:
Undergraduate Research Assistant (Work-Study)
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Hiring Department:
College of Natural Sciences
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
12
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FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt from FLSA
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Earliest Start Date:
Jul 06, 2026
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2026
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Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
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Job Details:
Purpose
The Undergraduate Research Assistant supports the day-to-day operations of the Messing Lab located in the Health Discovery Building by performing routine administrative and organizational tasks. This position will also assist the lab manager in ad hoc projects. Students with a Work-Study award are highly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
• Receive, log, and store incoming lab packages in SmartSheet.
• Load and unload the dishwasher; store and cover dry glassware appropriately.
• Monitor and restock autoclave consumables (pipette tips, tubes, glassware, MilliQ water, etc.).
• Check biohazard bins and replace when full; complete and submit the required EHS disposal form.
• Support cell culture room upkeep: empty aspirate containers, restock pipettes, check CO₂ tank levels, and replace biohazard boxes as needed.
• Maintain the chemical room: check and log pH meter readings, replace calibration solutions and spray-bottle water, change desiccant, and flag chemicals due for disposal.
• Monitor liquid nitrogen levels in the dewar and coordinate refill orders through UT Market, as needed.
• Pull glass needles and prepare mouse ear punch samples for genotyping submission.
• Assist the lab manager with additional projects and tasks as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Full-time UT student in Spring 2026 and in Fall 2026
Preferred Qualifications
• Previous laboratory, research, or healthcare experience
• Familiarity with basic lab equipment and safety procedures
• Experience with inventory tracking tools or spreadsheets
Salary Range
$15.00/hour
Working Conditions
Requires standing for extended periods of time
Working in wet lab with hazardous materials
Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs
Work Shift
Approximately 8-12 hours per week. Flexible scheduling available around class commitments.
Required Materials
• Resume - Include current major and class standing (if possible)
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest - Include your availability for shifts from now until August 15, 2026
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
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.
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.
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.
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.