Graduate Research Assistant

Title Information

Assistantship TitleGraduate Research Assistant

Job Class Code10095

FLSAExempt

Minimum Qualifications

1. Currently admitted to the UTRGV Graduate School.

2. Be in good academic standing.

3. Be registered full-time for the respective semester (nine semester credit hours during the fall semester, nine semester credit hours during the spring semester, and three semester credit hours during the summer session[s]), or be enrolled in the required number of semester credit hours to fulfill the only remaining requirements on the degree plan.

Position Information

Posting NumberA1498

Working TitleGraduate Research Assistant

LocationRio Grande Valley, Texas

CollegeCollege of Liberal Arts

DepartmentCollege of Liberal Arts

DivisionProvost - Academic Affairs

FTE.5

Scope of Job

The Department of Psychological Science is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Graduate Research Assistant to support ongoing research in the Comparative Psychology Lab. The Graduate Research Assistant will work closely and one-on-one with the faculty research supervisor on research examining animal behavior, welfare, and physiology.

Responsibilities will include conducting behavioral observations and collecting data at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, including use of established ethograms and research protocols, behavioral coding, data entry, and data organization.

The Graduate Research Assistant will also assist with physiological research conducted at the UTRGV Edinburg campus. Responsibilities may include processing and organizing non-invasive biological samples, maintaining laboratory and sample records, assisting with established laboratory procedures, and managing research data.

Additional responsibilities may include assisting with literature reviews, research documentation, training or supporting undergraduate research assistants, and contributing to research presentations, conference materials, reports, and scholarly manuscripts.

Discipline Specific Required Qualifications

1. Must be a graduate student currently enrolled in the UTRGV Experimental Psychology graduate program.

2. Willing to work up to twenty hours per week, with hours distributed based on research activities and project needs.

3. Must be able to travel between the UTRGV Edinburg campus and Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville as required.

4. Must be willing to conduct systematic behavioral observations and collect research data at Gladys Porter Zoo using established protocols.

5. Must be willing to assist with physiological research at the UTRGV Edinburg campus, including processing and managing non-invasive biological samples under established laboratory and biosafety procedures.

6. Must demonstrate strong attention to detail, organization, reliability, and the ability to accurately follow research protocols.

7. Must possess effective verbal and written communication skills and be able to work professionally with faculty, students, zoo personnel, and research collaborators.

8. Must be able to accurately enter, organize, and maintain research data.

9. Must be willing to complete all required research, laboratory safety, biosafety, and institutional training

Preferred Qualifications

1. Previous coursework or research experience in animal behavior, comparative psychology, animal welfare, behavioral neuroscience, or a related area.

2. Experience with behavioral observation, systematic data collection, behavioral coding, or ethograms.

3. Previous laboratory research experience, particularly involving biological samples or physiological research methods.

4. Experience with zoo-based, animal-based, field, or laboratory research.

5. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and experience with research data management.

6. Interest in contributing to conference presentations, research reports, and scholarly manuscripts.

Salary4,350

Number of Vacancies1

Desired Start Date10/01/2026

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.

Open Date09/21/2026

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

Social Security Number

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.

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Posting Supplemental Questions

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Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

• Unofficial Graduate Transcripts

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

• Unofficial Transcripts

• List of 3 References