Research Technician

Tamus; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Research in College Station seeks a Research Technician I to provide entry level, semi-skilled technical support in lab and field settings. The role involves collecting samples, performing routine microbiological tasks, assisting with DNA/RNA work, and supporting senior staff in major experiments.

Responsibilities include managing data, maintaining equipment, and helping with field sampling trips to farms and processing facilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of related laboratory experience preferred.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow written and verbal protocols precisely and to keep accurate records.
• Basic computer skills including word processing and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Sample and data collection from laboratory experiments and field trials following established protocols.
• Labora­tory support including media prep, aseptic technique, and routine assays.
• Assistance with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR setup, and sequencing sample prep.
• Assist senior staff in major experiments and field sampling trips.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Multitasking

Teamwork

Basic computer skills

Lab safety knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Incubators

Autoclaves

Biosafety cabinets

Centrifuges

Spectrophotometers

Microscopes

Job description

Job Title

Research Technician

Agency

Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Department

Animal Science

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, 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

Job Summary

The Research Technician I, under general supervision, performs entry level, semi-skilled, technical support research work involving performance of routine tasks.

Responsibilities

• Sample and Data Collection

  Collects samples and measurement data from laboratory experiments and field trials, including environmental swabs, drain and surface biofilm samples, and animal-production and processing-facility samples, following established sampling protocols and chain-of-custody procedures. Implements and maintains data collection and summarization for field trials and laboratory studies; records observations, plate counts, growth measurements, and sample metadata accurately in laboratory notebooks and electronic databases.

  Collects and compiles data. Computes quantitates (e.g., CFU/mL, dilution factors, biomass measurements) and extends projections in spreadsheets under the direction of senior staff.

  Assembles and operates technical equipment.

• Laboratory Support

  Performs routine microbiological tasks including media preparation, aseptic technique, bacterial isolation and enrichment, serial dilution and plating, colony enumeration, cryopreservation of isolates, and crystal-violet or coupon-based biofilm assays.

  Assists with DNA and RNA extraction, nucleic-acid quantification, PCR set-up, and gel electrophoresis, and with preparation of samples for sequencing.

  Assembles, operates, calibrates, and performs routine maintenance on technical equipment such as incubators, autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and microscopes; reports malfunctions to senior staff.

  Maintains laboratory cleanliness and organization, prepares and disposes of biohazardous waste, tracks supply inventory, and assists with ordering and receiving.

  Maintains and organizes the laboratory culture collection and sample archive.

• Experimental Assistance

  Assists senior staff members, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers in conducting major laboratory and field experiments, including pathogen challenge and sanitizer tolerance studies, and consults in developing and refining standard operating procedures.

  Assists with preparation of materials for field sampling trips to farms and processing facilities and participates in sampling as needed.

  Assists senior staff members in conducting major field experiments and consults in developing procedures.

• Other Duties

  Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow written and verbal protocols precisely and to keep accurate, legible records.
• Ability to perform basic calculations (dilutions, concentrations, unit conversions).
• Attention to detail and willingness to learn new laboratory and field techniques.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheet software.

Preferred Qualifications

Valid driver's license and ability to operate a university vehicle for field sampling.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work in a BSL-2 laboratory and handle foodborne pathogens following institutional biosafety protocols; required biosafety training will be provided.
• Occasional early-morning, evening, or weekend work and travel to field sites within Texas as required by sampling schedules.
• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects. Ability to exert heavy force. Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

What You Need to Know

• Salary: Compensation is commensurate with the candidate's qualifications. This is an hourly paid position.

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 moratoriu