Research Assistant
Texas A&M University
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Job summary
Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center in Weslaco seeks a Research Assistant to support entomology, pest management, and horticultural research. The role involves designing trials, collecting data, and performing analyses across lab, field, and greenhouse environments.
This grant-funded 12-month position emphasizes independent research planning and data reporting. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s in a related field; Master’s preferred.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences, biology, ecology, entomology, horticulture, pest management, plant science or equivalent
- Three years of related experience preferred
- Knowledge of lab equipment and data management
- Ability to use computer software to create databases and present data
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
- Experience with citrus pests or diseases is a plus
- Experience with molecular biology techniques is a plus
- Experience in greenhouse production or citrus management practices is a plus
Responsibilities
- Design, plan, coordinate, and execute experiments in lab, field, or greenhouse settings
- Collect samples and measurements for experiments and trials
- Record and maintain data sets and observations
- Analyze data using statistical methods and report results
- Prepare outreach articles or manuscripts for dissemination
- Assemble, install, operate, and maintain research equipment
- Procure equipment or supplies and manage related records
- Support graduate and undergraduate students and other lab staff
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Research Assistant Agency Texas A&M University - Kingsville Department Citrus Center
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Texas driver’s license
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
- Ability to positively and professionally interact with growers, students, staff and faculty.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
- Ability to orally comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning.
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
- Working knowledge of microscopes.
- Physical Requirements – Ability to work in greenhouses or outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat
- Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving
- Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.
- Ability to use microscopes for extended periods
- This position is security sensitive
- This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
- This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures
- All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements
- This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends
- This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance
Texas A&M University–Kingsville offers a supportive, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, and service. All employees enjoy: A welcoming campus community Opportunities for professional development Competitive benefits through the Texas A&M University System A rewarding experience of helping students achieve their academic and career goals Shared Values: TAMUK employees uphold the Shared Values of Care, Integrity, Pride, Innovation, and Excellence, which form the foundation of the University’s culture and guide its strategic plan. More information on TAMUK’s Strategic Plan and Shared Values can be found here. 4DX: TAMUK employees actively engage in Franklin Covey’s 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) activities within their departments. TAMUK utilizes 4DX as the framework for pursuing strategic goals by creating a culture of high performance. This requires participation from all faculty and staff. More information on 4DX can be found here. Caring Campus: TAMUK employees embody the Institute for Evidence Based Change’s Caring Campus mindset, maintaining a collegial and caring attitude towards students and each other to foster student engagement and a positive, collaborative work environment. More information on Caring Campus can be found here.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. In addition to base pay, TAMUK provides eligible employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support employees’ well‑being, professional growth, and financial security.
- Insurance: Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage Dental & Vision Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
- On-Campus Wellness Opportunities: TAMUK’s Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.
- Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources Tuition Benefits: Employee Tuition Assistance Program Book scholarships Public Service Loan Forgiveness Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan Employee Leave: 8+ hours of vacation per month 8 hours of sick leave per month 8 hours of paid Birthday leave 12-15 paid holidays per year
A federal proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M University-Kingsville will not pay this fee. If immigration sponsorship may be required for employment, consult with private immigration counsel, at the individual’s expense, is recommended to determine whether the individual’s current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University-Kingsville subject to this fee. In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B petitions unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if sponsorship for employment visa status is required now or in the future, this moratorium may affect the university’s ability to employ the selected final candidate. TAMUK will adhere to applicable regulations regarding visa opportunities.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
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