About this role
Job Posting Title:
Undergraduate Research Assistant – College of Pharmacy, Gonzales Lab – Neurochemistry----
Hiring Department:
College of Pharmacy----
Position Open To:
All Applicants----
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
10----
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt----
Earliest Start Date:
Immediately----
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until May 15, 2026----
Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS----
Job Details:
Purpose
Dr. Rueben Gonzales is looking for a motivated student to assist in our studies of the neurochemical effects of arousal on the brain motivational networks. The experiment involves working with rats to collect and analyze samples of brain extracellular fluid using the technique of microdialysis. Samples will be analyzed for neurotransmitter content using analytical chemistry techniques.
Responsibilities:
Weigh rats and acclimate the rats to human handling.
Construct probes for the microdialysis experiment.
Prepare solutions for the experiment (artificial cerebral spinal fluid). Set up and test the microdialysis probes for the experiment.
Prepare buffer solutions for the chemical analysis of the microdialysis samples. This also includes preparing quantitative standards for the neurotransmitters to be measured.
Run standards and samples on the ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatograph, and calculate the concentration of neurotransmitter in the brain microdialysis samples.
Maintain a lab notebook to document the experimental conditions and results.
Other duties include lab maintenance to clean rat cages, clean chemistry glassware, and general lab maintenance (e.g. waste management).
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
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
Gain skills in analytical chemistry
Gain skills in neuroscience research
Required Qualifications
Current UT student in undergraduate program related to neuroscience, biological or chemical sciences.
No experience is required. The student assistant will be trained to perform all job duties.
Salary
$16.00/hr
Work Schedule
Will be determined based on applicant availability. Min 5 hours/week, max 10 hours/week, min 2-hour blocks of time.
Required Materials
CV with relevant coursework, GPA, research experience
Names of 2 references
Letter of interest, state availability (dates and hours/week)
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.
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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.
Other facts
About University of Texas at Austin
UT Health Austin is the clinical practice of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to provide you with an unparalleled quality of care.
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Our experienced healthcare professionals deliver personalized, whole-person care of uncompromising quality and treat each patient as an individual with unique circumstances, priorities, and beliefs. Where possible, we have redesigned the care model to enable patients to see multiple specialists during the same visit depending on their specific health needs. This multidisciplinary, coordinated care model makes it easier for you to get the care you need without having to make multiple trips to various locations.
Our mission is to serve the community of Central Texas and beyond by not only providing care, but also supporting our physician leaders in modeling new ways of delivering care that build a better, more equitable health system. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive climate and culture that deepens our intellectual environment, impacts the academic experience, improves patient care and health outcomes, and advances equity.
Working with you, your care team creates an individualized care plan to help you reach the goals that matter most to you — in the care room and beyond. For more information, call us at 1-833-UT-CARES or request an appointment at uthealthaustin.org
What you'll do
- Assist in studies of neurochemical effects on brain motivational networks by working with rats and collecting brain extracellular fluid samples. Responsibilities include preparing solutions, setting up experiments, and maintaining lab equipment.
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