Research Scientist

Research Scientist

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.

We are seeking a Research Scientist who is responsible for conducting complex independent research to advance the understanding of antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) and immune pathways in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, supporting the development of innovative strategies to reduce arbovirus transmission and improve vector control. The position applies advanced scientific expertise in molecular biology, virology, genetics, and vector biology to design, execute, analyze, and interpret multidisciplinary research studies in collaboration with internal and external investigators. The Research Scientist contributes to scientific publications, technical reports, and grant-related activities while fostering a collaborative research environment through mentorship and effective communication of research findings. This position requires a high level of scientific independence, analytical expertise, and the ability to manage complex research activities in support of program objectives and sponsored research initiatives.

Job Responsibilities

*Conduct Independent Research

- Conduct complex, independent research focused on the molecular mechanisms of antiviral RNA interference (RNAi), innate immune pathways, and host-pathogen interactions in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

-Design, execute, and optimize experimental approaches using molecular biology, virology, genetics, genome editing, and other advanced laboratory techniques.

-Analyze and interpret experimental data to advance project objectives related to mosquito immunity, antiviral defense, infection tolerance, and novel genetic vector control strategies.

-Maintain accurate research records and ensure compliance with university, sponsor, and biosafety requirements.

*Data Analysis, Scientific Communication, and Sponsored Research

-Analyze research findings using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics methods.

-Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, technical reports, presentations, and other scholarly products for publication and dissemination.

-Contribute to progress reports, grant proposals, and other sponsor-required documentation supporting ongoing and future research activities.

-Present research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and sponsor meetings.

*Collaboration, Mentorship, and Laboratory Operations

-Collaborate with principal investigators, faculty, postdoctoral researchers, students, and external collaborators on multidisciplinary research projects.

-Mentor and provide scientific guidance to graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory personnel.

-Assist with laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and procurement of research supplies to ensure efficient laboratory operations.

*Research Program Support and Compliance

-Assist with planning and implementation of research activities to achieve project milestones and sponsor objectives.

-Ensure research activities comply with institutional policies, biosafety procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

-Support implementation of new research methodologies and continuous improvement of laboratory procedures.

*Performs Other Duties as Assigned

-Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental, college, and sponsored research program needs.

Required Education:-Ph.D. in Virology, Microbiology, Immunology, Vector Biology, Entomology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, or a closely related life sciences field.

Preferred Education:

-Postdoctoral training in molecular virology, vector biology, immunology, genetics, or a related biomedical research discipline.

Specialized training and demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: Mosquito vector biology (Aedes aegypti preferred) Arbovirology (e.g., dengue, Zika, chikungunya, or related viruses) RNA interference (RNAi) and innate immune signaling CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and transgenic insect technologies Molecular genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, or bioinformatics Advanced molecular biology and cell culture techniques

Required Experience:

-Six (6) years of related research experience in molecular biology, virology, immunology, genetics, entomology, vector biology, or a closely related field (may include postdoctoral research experience). Demonstrated experience independently designing, conducting, and analyzing complex biological research experiments.

Preferred Experience:

-Experience conducting research involving Aedes aegypti or other medically important mosquito vectors.

-Experience working with arboviruses (e.g., dengue, Zika, chikungunya, or related viruses) and appropriate biosafety practices.

-Experience with RNA interference (RNAi), innate immune signaling pathways, or host-pathogen interactions.

-Experience using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, transgenic insect technologies, or other advanced genetic engineering techniques.

-Experience with mosquito rearing, insectary operations, and vector infection assays.

-Experience with bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing data analysis, and statistical analysis of biological datasets.

-Experience mentoring graduate students, undergraduate researchers, or laboratory personnel.

-Experience contributing to or leading grant proposals and preparing sponsor progress reports.

-Record of peer-reviewed scientific publications in relevant research areas.

-Experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning, gene expression analysis, and related laboratory methodologies.

-Experience maintaining accurate research records, analyzing data, and preparing scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and/or peer-reviewed publications.

-Experience working effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

Required Knowledge:

-Advanced knowledge of molecular biology, virology, genetics, immunology, entomology, or a related life sciences discipline.

-Knowledge of experimental design, laboratory safety practices, and scientific research methodologies.

-Knowledge of data analysis, statistical methods, and interpretation of complex biological datasets.

-Knowledge of scientific writing and publication processes.

Preferred Knowledge:

-Knowledge of mosquito vector biology, particularly Aedes aegypti.

-Knowledge of arboviruses and mosquito-pathogen interactions.

-Knowledge of RNA interference (RNAi), innate immune signaling pathways, and host-pathogen interactions.

-Knowledge of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, transgenic insect technologies, and functional genomics.

-Knowledge of biosafety procedures for handling infectious agents and vector organisms.

Required Skills:

-Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

-Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

-Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

-Proficiency in molecular biology laboratory techniques and data analysis.

-Ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, technical reports, grant-related documents, and presentations.

-Effective project management and time management skills.

Preferred Skills:

-Experience with bioinformatics software, genomic data analysis, and statistical analysis programs.

-Experience with mosquito colony maintenance, insectary operations, and vector infection assays.

-Experience using genome editing technologies and advanced molecular biology techniques.

-Experience mentoring students and junior research personnel.

Required Abilities:

-Ability to independently design, conduct, and troubleshoot complex research experiments.

-Ability to interpret research findings and apply scientific judgment to advance project objectives.

-Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

-Ability to manage multiple research priorities and meet project deadlines.

-Ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively to diverse audiences.

-Ability to maintain accurate research records and comply with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.

Preferred Abilities:

-Ability to develop innovative research approaches to address complex scientific questions.

-Ability to establish productive collaborations with internal and external research partners.

-Ability to contribute to the development of competitive research proposals and secure extramural funding.

-Ability to provide scientific leadership and mentorship within a collaborative research environment.

List any additional requirements:

-Ability to work in Biosafety Level 2 (