Senior Research Associate

Texas A&M AgriLife Research; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, life and long‑

term disability insurance

Paid holidays 12–15 days

Paid sick leave and vacation

Retirement plan enrollment

Wellness initiative

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Research in College Station seeks a Senior Research Associate to lead laboratory and field research in the Soil & Crop Sciences department. The role includes dry and wet lab operations, data collection, and supervision of undergraduate researchers.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in plant-related sciences and at least four years of related experience, with strong molecular biology, genetics, and statistics skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Genetics, Biology, Horticulture, or related field.
• Four years of related professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Performs dry laboratory operations such as seed processing, ginning, planting prep, packing, etc.
• Performs wet lab activities such as seed treatments, delinting, DNA extraction, etc.
• Performs greenhouse management.
• Performs field/greenhouse/lab data collection and analyses.
• Supervise undergraduate students involved in research.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Plant breeding and genetics

Statistical analysis (R/SAS)

Attention to detail & record-keeping

Organizational & project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Genetics, Biology, Horticulture or related field

Job description

Job Title

Senior Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Soil & Crop Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Responsibilities

• Performs dry laboratory operations such as seed processing, ginning, planting prep, packing, etc.
• Performs wet lab activities such as seed treatments, delinting, DNA extraction, etc.
• Performs greenhouse management.
• Performs field/greenhouse/lab data collection and analyses.
• Supervise undergraduate students involved in research.

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Genetics, Biology, Horticulture, or related field.
• Four years of related professional experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis)
• Knowledge of plant breeding and genetics principles.
• Statistical analysis software proficiency (R, SAS, or equivalent)
• Strong attention to detail and record‑keeping abilities.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• 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 multi‑task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Experience with database management systems.
• Laboratory experience with cotton or other fiber crop.
• Experience with plant breeding and genetic research.

Preferred Licenses Or Certifications

• Ability to obtain valid driver's license with clean driving record.
• Laboratory safety certification.
• Biosafety training certification.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 1 year in BSL level 1 experience.
• 1 year experience in molecular biology techniques in addition to or including the BSL level 1 experiences.

Other Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs.
• Not allergic to cotton fiber, dust, plant materials, pollen, or other natural products encountered in outdoor setting.
• Ability to work normal workday in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments with varying temperatures and humidity.

Required Attachments

• Resume/CV
• List of References with email and daytime phone numbers

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 leaveand 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

Security Sensitive Positions

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

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.