Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System; College Station, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12-15 annual paid holidays

Up to 8 hours sick leave and at least

Automatic enrollment in the Teacher退休?

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Research in College Station, TX, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate plant‑microbe interactions with a focus on extracellular vesicle (EV)‑mediated communication. The role requires a strong background in plant biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or related fields and the ability to work both independently and with collaborators.

The successful candidate will design and perform experiments, analyze data, and contribute to research papers,

Qualifications

• PhD in plant biology, microbiology, biochemistry or related field.
• Experience in plant molecular biology, plant pathology, microbiology, or plant-microbe interactions.
• Ability to design experiments, analyze data, and communicate research results.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on plant-microbe interactions, focusing on extracellular vesicle (EV)‑mediated communication.
• Design experiments to study how microbial and abiotic signals regulate plant EV biogenesis, secretion, cargo loading, and function.
• Use genetic, molecular, biochemical, microbiological, and imaging approaches to study plant‑pathogen and plant‑microbiome interactions.
• Isolate and characterize EVs and analyze their RNA, protein, and other cargo.
• Write and contribute to research papers, reports, and grant proposals.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate student researchers involved in related projects.

Skills

Molecular biology

Plant-microbe interactions

Biochemistry

Microbiology

Imaging techniques

Education

PhD in related field

Tools

Imaging equipment

Biochemical assays

Job description

**Job Title**Postdoctoral Research Associate**Agency**Texas A&M Agrilife Research**Department**Plant Pathology & Microbiology**Proposed Minimum Salary**Commensurate**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: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.Click to learn more about joining AgriLife!# **Position Information****Job Summary:**The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for conducting research on plant-microbe interactions, with an emphasis on extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication. The research will investigate how biotic and abiotic signals regulate plant EV biogenesis, secretion, cargo selection, and biological functions. The position requires experience in plant biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field, as well as the ability to conduct independent and collaborative research. The successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary projects aimed at understanding EV functions in plant health, stress responses, and disease resistance.**Responsibilities:*** Research-Under general supervision conducts independent and collaborative research on plant-microbe interactions, with an emphasis on extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication. Designs and perform experiments to determine how microbial and abiotic signals regulate plant EV biogenesis, secretion, cargo loading, and biological functions. Uses genetic, molecular, biochemical, microbiological, and imaging approaches to study plant-pathogen and plant-microbiome interactions. Isolates and characterizes EVs and investigates their RNA, protein, and other molecular cargo. Analyzes research data, interprets results, and maintains accurate experimental records. Writes and contributes to research papers, reports, and grant proposals.* Laboratory and Project Support Develops and improves experimental protocols and assists with coordinating collaborative research projects. Maintains research materials and equipment and supports laboratory organization, safety, and regulatory compliance. Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external research partners.* Mentoring-Assists with training and mentoring graduate and undergraduate student researchers involved in related projects.* Presentations and Reporting Prepares and presents research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and other professional events. Contributes to required technical progress reports for research sponsors.* Other Duties Performs other duties as assigned.**Required Qualifications:*** PhD in related field.* Research experience in plant molecular biology, plant pathology, microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, or a closely related area.* Experience designing and conducting experiments, using molecular and biochemical techniques, analyzing data, and communicating research findings.* Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.# **What You Need to Know****Salary:** Compensation is commensurate with the candidate's qualifications.**Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship:**Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications.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:*** (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.**Required Documents:*** Resume* Cover LetterAll 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.The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS.The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee.Each member institution provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees and prospective employees.