Research Assistant

tamus; Overton (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Overton, Texas, is seeking a Research Assistant to support soil science and soil microbiology research, with hands-on fieldwork, greenhouse experiments, and lab analysis.

You will assist with DNA extraction, qPCR, and data analysis, supervise graduate students, install and maintain equipment, and contribute to grant-funded research projects; a Bachelor's in Soil Science and relevant lab skills are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Soil Science or relevant field.
• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.
• 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 multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of research activities which include fieldwork, greenhouse experiments, laboratory analysis, and data analysis using statistical reference. Learning requirements are predominantly intellectual and varied in character and require consistent use of discretion and judgment.
• Conducts soil analysis for microbiome, DNA extraction, designs and runs qPCR assays and bioinformatic skills to analyze microbiome sequence data.
• Assists with supervision of graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research.
• Installs, operates and/or repairs research equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Soil analysis

DNA extraction

qPCR assays

Bioinformatics

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Soil Science or relevant field

Master's degree in Soil Science

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Statistical software

Job description

Job Title

Research Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Overton

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Overton, 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

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support soil science and soil microbiology research activities requiring an advanced level of knowledge and laboratory experience in soil science and soil microbiology. Learning requirements are predominantly intellectual and varied in character and require consistent use of discretion and judgment.

Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of research activities which include fieldwork, greenhouse experiments, laboratory analysis, and data analysis using statistical reference. Learning requirements are predominantly intellectual and varied in character and require consistent use of discretion and judgment.
• Conducts soil analysis for microbiome, DNA extraction, designs and runs qPCR assays and bioinformatic skills to analyze microbiome sequence data.
• Assists with supervision of graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research.
• Installs, operates and/or repairs research equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Soil Science or relevant field.
• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.
• 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 multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Soil Science or relevant field.

Skills

• Skills in soil analysis for microbiome, DNA extraction, designing and running qPCR assays, and bioinformatic skills.

Other Requirements

This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate's qualifications.

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.

Benefits

• 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 leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.