Research Assistant

Texas A&M University; Overton (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

12-15 days of annual paid holidays

Paid sick leave and vacation

Automatic enrollment in retirement system

Job summary

Texas A&M University is seeking a Research Assistant to support soil science and microbiology research. The role involves laboratory and fieldwork, performing soil analyses, and working with qPCR assays.

Successful candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree and have experience with laboratory techniques and statistical analyses. Benefits include health insurance and paid holidays.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Familiarity with laboratory and technical equipment needed.
• Ability to effectively utilize computer software for analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform research activities including fieldwork and laboratory analysis.
• Conduct soil analysis and run qPCR assays.
• Assist in supervising graduate students and lab personnel.

Skills

Laboratory experience in soil science

Statistical analysis

Multitasking

Bioinformatics skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science or a related field

Master’s degree in Soil Science or a related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Research Assistant

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

• Perform a variety of research activities, including fieldwork, greenhouse experiments, laboratory analysis, and data analysis using statistical reference.
• Conduct soil analysis for microbiome and DNA extraction.
• Design and run qPCR assays and apply bioinformatic skills to analyze microbiome sequence data.
• Assist with supervision of graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research.
• Install, operate, and/or repair research equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science or a related 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 a related field.
• 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.

Salary

Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

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 Statement

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.