Research Scientist

Job Posting Title : Research Scientist

Hiring Department :

Department of Neuroscience

Position Open To : All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours :

40

FLSA Status : Exempt

Earliest Start Date :

Jan 01, 2026

Position Duration :

Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2026

Location : AUSTIN, TX

Job Details : General Notes

The Drew Lab in the Center for Learning and Memory at the University of Texas at Austin seeks a Research Scientist who will support cutting-edge research in neuroscience by overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations, facilitating research projects, and managing laboratory personnel. This individual will play a critical role in grant proposal preparation, undergraduate training and supervision, and administrative compliance (IACUC, biosafety, and purchasing). The candidate will be a key member of the lab, providing both scientific and operational leadership.

The Drew Lab investigates how neural circuits in the hippocampus generate, retrieve, and regulate detailed memories of experiences. Our interdisciplinary approach uses molecular biology, genetics, optogenetics, and behavioral paradigms in mice to elucidate the biological substrates of learning and memory, with a particular focus on fear extinction and models relevant to stressor-related disorders.

Initial assignment will be for one year. Subsequent renewal of employment will be based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding. The position will be full-time, benefits eligible. The University of Texas at Austin offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees. More information here : https : / / hr.utexas.edu / prospective / benefits

Purpose

Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, facilitate research projects, and manage laboratory personnel in the lab of Dr. Michael Drew at the University of Texas at Austin.

Responsibilities

Manage daily laboratory operations, including purchasing, protocol implementation, and safety compliance (IACUC, biosafety). Oversee the maintenance of laboratory records and ensure data integrity and compliance with institutional policies.

Develop, lead, and execute independent and collaborative neuroscience research projects; contribute technical and intellectual expertise to the team.

Assist with preparation and editing of grant proposals and research manuscripts. Present research at meetings and conferences.

Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers; foster a collaborative and supportive research environment. Engage with lab personnel to train, review, and support ongoing research and development activities.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field.

Demonstrated experience in research project management, including compliance administration, purchasing, or similar duties.

Strong record of independent scholarly research, preferably with experience in manuscript or grant preparation.

Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in laboratory management, including supervising junior staff or students.

Experience with rodent behavioral neuroscience research or a similar field.

Familiarity with biosafety, IACUC, or related regulatory compliance.

Strong quantitative skills and experience with statistics or data visualization.

Salary Range

$75,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

May work around chemical fumes.

May work around standard office conditions.

May work around biohazards.

May work around chemicals.

Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Required Materials

Resume / CV

Letter of Interest / Research statement

Minimum of three letters of reference, at least two of which must be fromreferees outside of the University of Texas at Austin. (Hiring PI / supervisor cannot be a reference)

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 thatALLRequired 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 questionspresented 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. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 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 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]

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.