Research Technician

Research Technician

Agency: Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Job Location: College Station, Texas

Job Type: Staff

Job Description:

About Texas A&M AgriLife:

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Position Information:

Job Summary:

The Research Technician I, under general supervision, performs entry level, semi-skilled, technical support research work involving performance of routine tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Sample and Data Collection
• Collects samples and measurement data from laboratory experiments and field trials, including environmental swabs, drain and surface biofilm samples, and animal-production and processing-facility samples, following established sampling protocols and chain-of-custody procedures. Implements and maintains data collection and summarization for field trials and laboratory studies; records observations, plate counts, growth measurements, and sample metadata accurately in laboratory notebooks and electronic databases.
• Collects and compiles data. Computes quantitates (e.g., CFU/mL, dilution factors, biomass measurements) and extends projections in spreadsheets under the direction of senior staff.
• Assembles and operates technical equipment.
• Laboratory Support
• Performs routine microbiological tasks including media preparation, aseptic technique, bacterial isolation and enrichment, serial dilution and plating, colony enumeration, cryopreservation of isolates, and crystal-violet or coupon-based biofilm assays.
• Assists with DNA and RNA extraction, nucleic-acid quantification, PCR set-up, and gel electrophoresis, and with preparation of samples for sequencing.
• Assembles, operates, calibrates, and performs routine maintenance on technical equipment such as incubators, autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and microscopes; reports malfunctions to senior staff.
• Maintains laboratory cleanliness and organization, prepares and disposes of biohazardous waste, tracks supply inventory, and assists with ordering and receiving.
• Maintains and organizes the laboratory culture collection and sample archive.
• Experimental Assistance
• Assists senior staff members, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers in conducting major laboratory and field experiments, including pathogen challenge and sanitizer tolerance studies, and consults in developing and refining standard operating procedures.
• Assists with preparation of materials for field sampling trips to farms and processing facilities and participates in sampling as needed.
• Assists senior staff members in conducting major field experiments and consults in developing procedures.

Other Duties:

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow written and verbal protocols precisely and to keep accurate, legible records.
• Ability to perform basic calculations (dilutions, concentrations, unit conversions).
• Attention to detail and willingness to learn new laboratory and field techniques.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheet software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a university vehicle for field sampling.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work in a BSL-2 laboratory and handle foodborne pathogens following institutional biosafety protocols; required biosafety training will be provided.
• Occasional early-morning, evening, or weekend work and travel to field sites within Texas as required by sampling schedules.
• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects. Ability to exert heavy force. Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

What You Need to Know:

Salary: Compensation is commensurate with the candidate's qualifications. This is an hourly paid position.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Benefits and Leave:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• 12–15 annual paid holidays
• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative
• Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs

How to Apply:

Applications must include all job application data or a complete resume. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applicants are encouraged to upload a resume or use LinkedIn to prepopulate application fields.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.