Postdoctoral Research Associate Molecular Biology

Texas A&M University System; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M Agrilife Research in College Station, Texas, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Biology. You will design and conduct molecular biology experiments, analyze data, and lead manuscript preparation.

The role emphasizes independence and mentorship, with opportunities to contribute to funding proposals. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in microbiology or related fields, has bench experience in nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and sequencing, and is proficient

Qualifications

• PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, animal science, veterinary science, or a closely related field.
• Peer-reviewed publications demonstrating research experience in molecular biology or microbiology.
• Bench expertise in nucleic acid extraction, PCR detection, and sequencing approaches.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments addressing defined objectives with appropriate controls and replication.
• Develop and validate molecular detection assays (qPCR, sequencing) for pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.
• Apply culture and molecular methods to characterize microbial communities across livestock, wildlife, and food settings; coordinate with sequencing and bioinformatics staff.
• Plan sequencing studies (amplicon, metagenomic, whole genome) and interpret results against study objectives.
• Analyze data with statistics in R or Python and prepare figures for publication.
• Lead manuscript and report writing and contribute to funding proposals.
• Maintain detailed records and operate molecular instrumentation.
• Train students and staff in experimental design and molecular methods.

Skills

Nucleic acid extraction

PCR detection

Sequencing

Data analysis (R/Python)

Education

PhD in microbiology or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate Molecular Biology

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Animal Science

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:
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 Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for designing, conducting, and coordinating molecular biology experiments that address defined research objectives, analyze and interpret the resulting data, and lead the preparation of manuscripts and technical reports. The post doctoral will work with a high degree of independence, contribute preliminary data and methods to funding proposals, and help train students and research staff in experimental design and molecular methods.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments that address defined research objectives, including sampling designs, controls, and replication suited to the study question.
• Develop and validate molecular detection assays, including quantitative PCR and sequencing approaches, for bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance determinants in environmental, animal, and food samples.
• Apply culture and molecular methods to characterize microbial communities, pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance across livestock, wildlife, and food production settings, including multispecies biofilm systems.
• Plan amplicon, metagenomic, and whole genome sequencing studies in coordination with the laboratory's sequencing and bioinformatics staff, and interpret the resulting data against study objectives.
• Analyze experimental data with appropriate statistical methods in R or Python, and prepare figures and tables for publication.
• Lead the writing of manuscripts and technical reports, and contribute methods, preliminary data, and results to funding proposals.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and follow the laboratory's data management practices.
• Operate and help maintain the laboratory's molecular instrumentation.
• Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students and research staff in experimental design and molecular methods.
• Coordinate experiments and timelines with collaborators at partner universities and federal laboratories.
• Present findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and stakeholder meetings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, animal science, veterinary science, or a closely related field.
• Research experience in molecular biology or microbiology, evidenced by peer reviewed publications.
• Bench expertise in nucleic acid extraction, PCR detection, and at least one sequencing approach (amplicon, metagenomic, or whole genome sequencing).
• Experience designing experiments and analyzing data with appropriate statistical methods.
• Strong scientific writing, with the ability to draft manuscripts and technical reports with limited supervision.
• The ability to manage several concurrent experiments and coordinate with project teams.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience with microbial communities, pathogens, or antimicrobial resistance in livestock, wildlife, environmental, or food production systems.
• Experience developing and validating quantitative PCR or digital PCR assays.
• Experience with nanopore sequencing.
• Experience analyzing sequencing data with command line tools and R or Python.
• Experience with biofilm models or culture methods for bacterial pathogens.
• Experience working under biosafety level 2 conditions.
• Experience contributing to extramural funding proposals.
• Experience mentoring students.

Other Requirements

This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment is dependent upon ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.

In order to be considered for this position prior to your doctoral degree being conferred, please attach a letter from your school's official Graduate Office, Registrar's Office or PhD Committee Chair certifying that all requirements for the doctoral degree have been met and stating the degree conferral date.

Salary

Compensation is commensurate with the candidate's qual