Research Associate Jobs at The University of Texas at Austin with Visa Sponsorship
Research Associate jobs at The University of Texas at Austin span a wide range of disciplines, from STEM and social sciences to policy research. UT Austin has an established infrastructure for sponsoring international researchers, making it a realistic target for visa-holding candidates pursuing academic or research careers in the U.S.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB POSTING TITLE:
Research Engineering/Scientist Associate II
HIRING DEPARTMENT:
Center for Biomedical Research Support
POSITION OPEN TO:
All Applicants
WEEKLY SCHEDULED HOURS:
40
FLSA STATUS:
Exempt
EARLIEST START DATE:
Immediately
POSITION DURATION:
Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2021
LOCATION:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Transport, prepare and process samples for high throughput molecular testing by RT-qPCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a CLIA certified laboratory, principally as part of UT proactive community testing program.
GENERAL NOTES
Work schedule will require weekend work, but will be granted two consecutive days off during the week.
Responsibilities
-
Disinfect and transport specimens collected in virus inactivating media for detection of SARS-CoV-2. Execute standard operating procedures with precision and in compliance with all CLIA guidelines and regulations.
-
Perform RNA extractions from respiratory and/or saliva specimens collected in virus inactivating media and perform PCR set ups for RT-qPCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2. Execute standard operating procedures with precision and in compliance with all CLIA guidelines and regulations.
-
Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards and enforce policies and procedures. Ensure procedure manuals are up to date and available to testing personnel for all assays and procedures in the station. Ensure reagents are properly labeled, stored, and QCd appropriately before placed in use.
-
Use various LIMS to track, analyze, and result clinical testing runs. Adjust, prioritize, and organize work to achieve maximum productivity. Assist peers and management with other tasks after completion of assigned work, operating as an effective member of a team. Participate in training and educating new hires and fellow staff.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology or related field. Must be comfortable handling 96 and 384 well plates and multi-channel pipettors. Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced high throughput lab environment. Must be comfortable working with potentially infectious clinical samples (COVID-19) with appropriate PPE (provided by employer).
This position may require some driving of personal or University owned vehicles.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1-2 years of previous clinical lab experience a plus.
- Ability to work independently and follow SOP instructions precisely.
- Familiarity with CLIA regulations, documentation, and procedures.
- Familiarity with RT-qPCR and ability to interpret results and troubleshoot.
PREFERABLE ATTRIBUTES:
Strong documentation and communication skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as listening skills. Works well in a team environment. Flexibility and adaptability to changes. Reliable attendance and extra hours when required.
SALARY RANGE
$52,000 +
WORKING CONDITIONS
-
Attire: Business Casual or Scrubs
-
Long sleeves, pants, closed toe shoes. Personal protective equipment must be worn on site and will be provided by employer.
WORK SHIFT
-
The work hours will vary between 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. - 40 hours per week, schedule will shift depending on sample throughput.
-
Schedule will require weekends, Saturday and Sunday, but work week will still have two consecutive days off.
-
Alternate work shifts are possible. Work hours may vary to ensure social distancing.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
-
Resume/CV
-
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
-
Letter of interest.
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:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
RETIREMENT PLAN ELIGIBILITY:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
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.
E-VERIFY:
The University of Texas at Austin uses 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) [PDF]
- E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
- Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
- Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
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 as 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 to be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the 2020 report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe, Suite UTA 2.206, Austin, TX 78701.
JOB POSTING TITLE:
Research Engineering/Scientist Associate II
HIRING DEPARTMENT:
Center for Biomedical Research Support
POSITION OPEN TO:
All Applicants
WEEKLY SCHEDULED HOURS:
40
FLSA STATUS:
Exempt
EARLIEST START DATE:
Immediately
POSITION DURATION:
Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2021
LOCATION:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Transport, prepare and process samples for high throughput molecular testing by RT-qPCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a CLIA certified laboratory, principally as part of UT proactive community testing program.
GENERAL NOTES
Work schedule will require weekend work, but will be granted two consecutive days off during the week.
Responsibilities
-
Disinfect and transport specimens collected in virus inactivating media for detection of SARS-CoV-2. Execute standard operating procedures with precision and in compliance with all CLIA guidelines and regulations.
-
Perform RNA extractions from respiratory and/or saliva specimens collected in virus inactivating media and perform PCR set ups for RT-qPCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2. Execute standard operating procedures with precision and in compliance with all CLIA guidelines and regulations.
-
Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards and enforce policies and procedures. Ensure procedure manuals are up to date and available to testing personnel for all assays and procedures in the station. Ensure reagents are properly labeled, stored, and QCd appropriately before placed in use.
-
Use various LIMS to track, analyze, and result clinical testing runs. Adjust, prioritize, and organize work to achieve maximum productivity. Assist peers and management with other tasks after completion of assigned work, operating as an effective member of a team. Participate in training and educating new hires and fellow staff.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology or related field. Must be comfortable handling 96 and 384 well plates and multi-channel pipettors. Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced high throughput lab environment. Must be comfortable working with potentially infectious clinical samples (COVID-19) with appropriate PPE (provided by employer).
This position may require some driving of personal or University owned vehicles.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1-2 years of previous clinical lab experience a plus.
- Ability to work independently and follow SOP instructions precisely.
- Familiarity with CLIA regulations, documentation, and procedures.
- Familiarity with RT-qPCR and ability to interpret results and troubleshoot.
PREFERABLE ATTRIBUTES:
Strong documentation and communication skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as listening skills. Works well in a team environment. Flexibility and adaptability to changes. Reliable attendance and extra hours when required.
SALARY RANGE
$52,000 +
WORKING CONDITIONS
-
Attire: Business Casual or Scrubs
-
Long sleeves, pants, closed toe shoes. Personal protective equipment must be worn on site and will be provided by employer.
WORK SHIFT
-
The work hours will vary between 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. - 40 hours per week, schedule will shift depending on sample throughput.
-
Schedule will require weekends, Saturday and Sunday, but work week will still have two consecutive days off.
-
Alternate work shifts are possible. Work hours may vary to ensure social distancing.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
-
Resume/CV
-
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
-
Letter of interest.
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:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
RETIREMENT PLAN ELIGIBILITY:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
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.
E-VERIFY:
The University of Texas at Austin uses 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) [PDF]
- E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
- Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
- Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
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 as 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 to be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the 2020 report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe, Suite UTA 2.206, Austin, TX 78701.
Tips for Finding Research Associate Jobs at The University of Texas at Austin
Align your credentials to UT Austin's specialty occupation standard
UT Austin's H-1B petitions require your degree field to directly correspond to the Research Associate duties in the posting. A mismatch between your degree discipline and the listed research area is a common denial trigger, so tailor your application to roles where the fit is precise.
Target faculty-led grants when identifying open roles
Many Research Associate positions at UT Austin are funded through principal investigator grants rather than central departmental budgets. Roles tied to active federal grants, such as NIH or NSF awards, tend to have stronger institutional motivation to pursue visa sponsorship quickly.
Browse open Research Associate roles using Migrate Mate
Filter by visa type and employer on Migrate Mate to surface current Research Associate openings at UT Austin that are actively open to international candidates, saving you time spent on roles where sponsorship is unlikely or unstated.
Clarify OPT and CPT authorization timelines before your interview
If you're on F-1 status, UT Austin's international office coordinates SEVIS records separately from HR. Confirm your OPT start date or CPT authorization is aligned with your expected start date before you receive an offer, not after, to avoid a gap in work authorization.
Understand PERM timing if long-term sponsorship is your goal
For EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship, UT Austin must conduct a PERM recruitment process through the DOL before filing an immigrant petition. This process typically takes 12 to 18 months from initiation, so raise it during the offer stage, not after you've started.
Request your LCA wage level details before accepting an offer
The Department of Labor's Labor Condition Application locks in your wage level before USCIS sees your H-1B petition. At a university, Research Associates are often filed at Level I or II. Confirm the posted wage meets your expectations because it cannot be reduced after LCA certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The University of Texas at Austin sponsor H-1B visas for Research Associates?
Yes, The University of Texas at Austin sponsors H-1B visas for Research Associates. As a large public research university, UT Austin has a dedicated international office that manages H-1B filings in coordination with departmental HR. Sponsorship is most common for roles tied to specific research projects or grant-funded positions where the candidate's expertise is directly required for the work.
How do I apply for Research Associate jobs at The University of Texas at Austin?
Applications for Research Associate roles at UT Austin are submitted through the university's Workday-based careers portal. Each posting is department-specific, so your application materials, including your CV, cover letter, and research statement, should be tailored to the lab or research group listed. Reaching out to the hiring faculty member directly before or after applying is common practice in academic research hiring and can improve your visibility.
Which visa types are commonly used for Research Associate roles at The University of Texas at Austin?
H-1B is the most common visa for Research Associates at UT Austin, but the university also sponsors E-3 visas for Australian nationals and TN visa status for Canadian and Mexican citizens in qualifying research roles. F-1 OPT and CPT are frequently used for recent graduates transitioning into research positions. For longer-term pathways, UT Austin supports EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM process for eligible staff.
What qualifications are expected for Research Associate positions at The University of Texas at Austin?
Most Research Associate roles at UT Austin require a master's degree or Ph.D. in a field directly relevant to the research area. Hands-on lab or fieldwork experience, familiarity with discipline-specific methodologies, and prior publication or project work are commonly listed requirements. For visa sponsorship purposes, your degree field must align with the specialty occupation described in the job posting to satisfy USCIS requirements.
How do I find Research Associate jobs at The University of Texas at Austin that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is the recommended way to browse Research Associate openings at UT Austin that are open to international candidates and visa sponsorship. Rather than manually scanning the university's careers portal and guessing at sponsorship willingness, Migrate Mate lets you filter by visa type so you can focus your time on roles where sponsorship has been confirmed based on historical filing data.