Research Assistant

Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Overton (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation

Retirement plan

Wellness program

Professional development

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife is seeking a Research Assistant in Overton, Texas to support field, greenhouse, and laboratory soil science research. The role focuses on designing experiments, collecting and analyzing soil and plant samples, and maintaining lab facilities.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science or related field; proficiency with basic lab techniques and equipment; and the ability to work independently or in a team. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Soil Science or related field.
• Proficiency in basic laboratory techniques and equipment operation.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers to design, set up, and execute field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments.
• Assist in experimental issues and contributes to process improvements.
• Participate in sampling, data collection and analysis of soil and plant samples.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of soil science laboratory, equipment and facilities.
• Handle farm equipment as needed for specific tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Teamwork

Multitasking

Data collection

Education

Bachelor's degree in Soil Science or related field

Master’s degree in Soil Science or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment operation

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 Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

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 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 Research Assistant is responsible for collaborating with researchers on the design, setup, and execution of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments. Performs skilled research work including sample, data collection, and analysis of soil and plant samples to ensure the success of research initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers to design, set up, and execute field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments.
• Assist in experimental issues and contributes to process improvements.
• Participate in sampling, data collection and analysis of soil and plant samples.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of soil science laboratory, equipment and facilities.
• Handle farm equipment as needed for specific tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Soil Science or related field.
• Proficiency in basic laboratory techniques and equipment operation.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Soil Science or related field.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

What You Need To Know

Salary:

Compensation is commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications.

Sponsorship:

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship

Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications. In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Benefits And Leave

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• 12–15 annual paid holidays
• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative
• Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs

Required Documents

• CV / Resume

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.