Lab Operations Associate – Innovation LabsHiring Department: Discovery to ImpactPosition Open To: All ApplicantsWeekly Scheduled Hours: 20FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSAEarliest Start Date: ImmediatelyPosition Duration: Expected to Continue Until Jun 17, 2027Location: UT MAIN CAMPUSMission of Discovery to ImpactDiscovery to Impact stands at the heart of transforming academic research into real-world solutions, serving as the pivotal bridge between campus innovators and the industry. Our mission is to harness the power of over 130 campus programs dedicated to entrepreneurship and intellectual property, guiding groundbreaking research from concept to commercial success. Through fostering strategic partnerships with corporations, investors, and entrepreneurs, we ensure that the University's innovations transition from labs and studios into services, solutions, and products that profoundly benefit society. Join us in our quest to change the world, one innovation at a time.What Benefits Do I Receive With UT?Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance optionsGenerous paid vacation (8 hours/month), paid holidays (10+/year), sick time (8 hours/month), and longevity payTeachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching fundsAdditional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expensesRobust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunitiesTuition assistanceExpansive employee discount program including athletic ticketsFree access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID cardFree rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID cardPurposeUT Discovery to Impact Innovation Labs is a brand-new, state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot bio-science incubator designed to be a launchpad for innovative startup companies. Our role is to support companies as they discover, create, and build technologies to improve the human experience through solving real-world problems. The Lab Operations Associate will support the Innovation Labs Manager in the daily operations, maintenance, and development of this program. This hands-on role is essential in ensuring the smooth functioning of a shared laboratory facility, assisting with equipment and facility management, safety compliance, training, and support for company members.ResponsibilitiesOperational Support: Assist in the day-to-day operations of the facilities, including people-first client support, equipment and facility management, safety, quality assurance, and inventory management. Serve as a point of contact for lab and building issues.Equipment: Assist with installing, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and instruments.
Perform routine checks of equipment and keep maintenance logs up to date. Sterilize and clean glassware. Coordinate with vendors for equipment maintenance and repair. Provide training and ensure proper use of equipment by company members and staff. Support implementation and maintenance of equipment scheduling systems.Safety & Compliance: Assist in implementing and maintaining all UT EHS and lab safety programs, including use of PPE, proper chemical hygiene, chemical inventory tracking and hazardous waste disposal.Quality Assurance: Assist in creating and updating standard operating procedures for equipment use, maintenance, training, and safety protocols.Facilities: Ensure all spaces and infrastructure are clean, sanitary, and in good repair. Assist in coordinating with UT Facilities, building management, and custodial staff to address maintenance, installation, repair, and construction needs. Prepare space for new companies to join and ensure proper move out procedures are followed.Inventory & Purchasing: Organize, track, and manage inventory of lab consumables and break-room provisions. Assist with purchasing and receiving.
Optimize resource use.Training: Provide hands-on training for equipment use, safety programs, security, and emergency preparedness.Client Support: Assist in on- and off-boarding company members. Coordinate with Human Resources and Environmental Health and Safety to ensure appropriate processes are followed. Provide daily support to company members to optimize research productivity.Community Engagement: Support tours, events, and marketing efforts to promote the Innovation Labs and engage with the startup and research community. Contribute to a vibrant and growing culture of innovative bio-science startups.Other duties as neededRequired QualificationsAssociate's degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, bioengineering) OR High school diploma with two years of equivalent experience.Training in a scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, bio-engineering) or equivalent experience.Minimum of 1 year of experience in an academic or commercial laboratory including operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.Working towards a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, bioengineering)Familiarity with laboratory safety programs and hazardous waste procedures.People-first focus with an optimistic attitude.Strong organizational and communication skills.Detail-oriented with a commitment to excellence.Must be able to lift over 50 pounds and be able to stand for multiple hours at a time.Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.Proficiency in Microsoft Office.Preferred Qualifications (candidates need not have all of these qualifications to apply)Familiarity with bio-science laboratory settings, including experience with cellular, molecular, and microbiology techniques.Experience with quality systems and inventory management.Knowledge of UT systems and procedures (EHS, BFS).Experience supporting startup or incubator companies.Hourly Rate$25/hrWork SchedulePart-time: 20-40 hrs/week; Mon-Fri. Fixed term position for 1 year.Required MaterialsResume/CVCover Letter3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisorImportant for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume in the first step of the online job application process. Then, any additional Required Materials will be uploaded in the My Experience section; you can multi-select the additional files or click the Upload button for each file. 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 Jobs.
Before you apply though, 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. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will need to click the Upload button multiple times in order to attach your Resume, References and any additional Required Materials 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