Job Description
Posting Details Position Information
Posting Number SRGV8719
Working Title RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I
Number of Vacancies 1
Location Brownsville, Texas
Department College of Sciences / School of Earth Environmental and Marine Sciences
FTE 1
FLSA Non-Exempt
Scope of Job Under the moderate supervision and with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs routine research projects including field, nursery, laboratory, and data management activities in support of biological and conservation research efforts, with regular fieldwork conducted at National Wildlife Refuge lands and other protected sites in coordination with external partner agencies. May supervise the work of others.
Description of Duties - Collects, compiles, and analyzes research data, including demographic, reproductive, environmental, nursery, laboratory, and monitoring data associated with biological and conservation research activities.
- Prepares, collects, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records for experiments, including plant material, seeds, and related documentation collected from field, nursery, and laboratory settings in accordance with established protocols and permit requirements.
- Uses statistical methods and relational databases to analyze data sets, including entry, management, quality-checking, and organization of field, nursery, and seed inventory data, as well as GPS- and location-based datasets.
- Prepares or assists with preparing reports of research findings, including figures, tables, summaries, and supporting documentation for internal use and external reporting requirements.
- Assists with planning, developing, coordinating, and administering research projects, including supporting field surveys, population monitoring, restoration and planting activities, nursery operations, and experimental research conducted under supervision.
- May assist in designing and creating computer programs for research applications, including tools used to track plant populations, nursery stock, seed inventories, and monitoring outcomes.
- Operates & maintains equipment & automated systems, including field survey equipment, GPS units, nursery and laboratory tools, and data management systems.
- May train users on the operation and data management of research equipment and assist with training and supervision of undergraduate student workers or volunteers involved in field, nursery, laboratory, or data collection activities.
- Maintains inventory of research-related material s , including nursery supplies, laboratory materials, equipment, and seed collections, ensuring accurate records of provenance, quantities, storage conditions, and use.
- Complies with all State and University policies, as well as applicable safety procedures, permit requirements, and ethical guidelines related to biological research and work with protected species.
- Other duties may be assigned.
Supervision Received Specific supervision from assigned supervisor.
Supervision Given May carry out limited responsibilities in accordance with the project objectives, policies and applicable laws and provides guidance to student employees.
Required Education Bachelor's degree from an accredited University in an applicable discipline.
Preferred Education N/A
Licenses/Certifications None.
Required Experience No minimum experience required.
Preferred Experience N/A
Equipment Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis, of measurement, testing, and evaluation, and of research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies. Skilled in conducting qualitative and quantitative research and in using computers, software, and statistical tools and programs. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee research projects, evaluate research data, ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity, interpret and publish research findings, and communicate effectively. Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.
Working Conditions Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Other Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. This position is designed for full-time employees. May work some evenings and/or weekends.
Physical Capabilities N/A
Employment Category Full-Time
Minimum Salary Commensurate with Experience
Posted Salary Commensurate with Experience
Position Available Date 01/07/2026
Grant Funded Position Yes
If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date 01/18/2027
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Special Instructions to Applicants Dear Applicant,
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
Date of Birth Gender
*Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.
If you have any questions, please visit our Careers site at for detailed contact information.
Additional Information UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Regulatory Affairs.
Quick Link
Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Afternoon shift,