Research Assistant

tamus; Kingsville (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Citrus Center, located in Kingsville, Texas, invites applications for a Research Assistant. This grant-funded, 12-month position supports entomology, horticulture, and data analysis in a dynamic research environment, with continuation contingent on funding.

The role involves designing and coordinating experiments, collecting and managing data, performing statistical analyses, preparing reports and outreach materials, and assisting in presentations and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences, biology, ecology, entomology, horticulture, pest management, plant science or an applicable field.
• Three years of related experience (preferred).
• Knowledge of laboratory maintenance and equipment (preferred).
• Ability to effectively use a computer and applicable software to create databases, present data, and perform other computer-related tasks (preferred).
• Experience in scouting, identification and/or management of citrus pests or diseases (preferred).
• Experience in greenhouse crop production or citrus management practices (preferred).
• Experience in setup and maintenance of drip or sprinkler irrigation systems (preferred).
• Pesticide applicator license (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assists in the design, planning, coordinating, and execution of experiments or trials in support of various research projects in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
• Collects samples and measurement data for laboratory or greenhouse experiments and field trials.
• Records, compiles, and maintains data sets and observations for experiments or trials.
• Assists undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical, or field staff involved in research.
• Uses computers and laboratory or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results.
• Evaluates, summarizes, and records results of technical evaluations, data, or statistical analyses.
• Summarizes project results/findings in progress reports.
• Assists in preparing and writing reports or proposals to funding agencies.
• Assists in preparing outreach/grower articles or scientific manuscripts for journals.
• Assists in preparing oral or poster presentations for scientific or grower meetings.
• Prepares and gives oral presentations on research-related topics to Citrus Center visitors.
• Assembles, installs, operates, maintains, and repairs research equipment.
• Purchases equipment or supplies required for research projects.
• Maintains records and invoices of purchases related to research projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences, biology, ecology, entomology, horticulture, pest management, plant science or an applicable field

Job description

Job Title

Research Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Department

Citrus Center

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Kingsville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region's premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution's 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.

Location: The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.

For more information, click here .

Position Overview

Perform independent or supervisory roles in research activities that require an advanced level of knowledge in entomology, pest management, horticulture, statistics, and experimental design. These roles are predominantly intellectual and varied in nature, necessitating consistent use of discretion and judgment. Performs skilled, administrative, and managerial support in research. Plans and directs certain phases in a research project. This is a grant funded position for 12-months and continuation of the position beyond 12-months is contingent upon continuation of funding . This position is located at Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center in Weslaco, Texas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research Support and Data Collection

• Assists in the design, planning, coordinating, and execution of experiments or trials in support of various research projects in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
• Collects samples and measurement data for laboratory or greenhouse experiments and field trials.
• Records, compiles, and maintains data sets and observations for experiments or trials.
• Assists undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical, or field staff involved in research.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Uses computers and laboratory or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results.
• Evaluates, summarizes, and records results of technical evaluations, data, or statistical analyses.
• Summarizes project results/findings in progress reports.
• Assists in preparing and writing reports or proposals to funding agencies.

Publications, Outreach, and Presentations

• Assists in preparing outreach/grower articles or scientific manuscripts for journals.
• Assists in preparing oral or poster presentations for scientific or grower meetings.
• Prepares and gives oral presentations on research-related topics to Citrus Center visitors.

Equipment and Laboratory Operations

• Assembles, installs, operates, maintains, and repairs research equipment.

Purchasing and Financial Recordkeeping

• Purchases equipment or supplies required for research projects.
• Maintains records and invoices of purchases related to research projects.

Other Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences, biology, ecology, entomology, horticulture, pest management, plant science or an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of related experience.
• Prior lab and field experience in research projects related to agricultural sciences, entomology, horticulture, pest management, or plant sciences.
• Knowledge of laboratory maintenance and equipment.
• Ability to effectively use a computer and applicable software to create databases, present data, and perform other computer-related tasks.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Master's degree in entomology or pest management from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in scouting, identification and / or management of citrus pests or diseases.
• Experience in greenhouse crop production or citrus management practices.
• Experience in PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction, and other molecular biology techniques.
• Experience in setup and maintenance of drip or sprinkler irrigation systems.
• Pesticide applicator license.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Texas driver's license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to effectively communica