Senior Research Associate

Job Title Senior Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Soil & Crop Sciences Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff 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. Responsibilities Performs dry laboratory operations such as seed processing, ginning, planting prep, packing, etc. Performs wet lab activities such as seed treatments, delinting, DNA extraction, etc. Performs greenhouse management. Performs field/greenhouse/lab data collection and analyses. Supervise undergraduate students involved in research. Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Genetics, Biology, Horticulture, or related field. Four years of related professional experience. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis) Knowledge of plant breeding and genetics principles. Statistical analysis software proficiency (R, SAS, or equivalent) Strong attention to detail and record-keeping abilities. Excellent organizational and project management skills. Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases, perform statistical analyses, present data and perform other computer related tasks. Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Experience with database management systems. Laboratory experience with cotton or other fiber crop. Experience with plant breeding and genetic research. Preferred Licenses or Certifications Ability to obtain valid driver’s license with clean driving record. Laboratory safety certification. Biosafety training certification. Preferred Experience Minimum of 1 year in BSL level 1 experience. 1 year experience in molecular biology techniques in addition to or including the BSL level 1 experiences. Other Requirements Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs. Not allergic to cotton fiber, dust, plant materials, pollen, or other natural products encountered in outdoor setting. Ability to work normal workday in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments with varying temperatures and humidity. Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife? When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents. In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following: Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 12-15 days of annual paid holidays Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacation each month Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas A&M University System