Student Technician

Texas A&M University; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Texas A&M University is seeking a Student Technician for the Agrilife Research Department. The role involves preparing plant samples for mass spectrometry and assisting with molecular biology assays such as PCR. A focus on life's sciences is preferred, with opportunities for freshmen and sophomores to gain lab experience while working flexibly up to 20 hours a week.

Students will be guided by senior researchers, participating in lab meetings to enhance their scientific knowledge and contribute to ongoing research projects.

Qualifications

• Preferably a Freshman or Sophomore in Life Sciences.
• Completed freshman biology or chemistry courses required.
• Ability to work up to 20 hours per week (2-4 days).
• Previous lab experience is a plus but not required.
• Understanding of basic chemistry, sterile technique, and general genetics useful.

Responsibilities

• Prepare plant samples for mass spectrometry.
• Use analytical instrument software for data interpretation.
• Prepare samples for DNA and RNA isolation.
• Participate in plant propagation and measurement of traits.
• Maintain lab supplies and prepare solutions.

Skills

Organizational skills

Basic chemistry knowledge

Sterile technique

General genetics

Education

Life Science major

Completed freshman biology or chemistry courses

Job description

Student Technician Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture-Project Management

General Responsibilities

• Prepare plant samples using digestion methods for mass spectrometry such as LC/MC, GC/MS, HPLC, ICP-MS, including homogenizing and weighing samples.
• Learn and use basic analytical instrument software and data interpretation techniques.
• Prepare samples for DNA and RNA isolation for molecular biology assays including PCR and quantitative real-time PCR.
• Learn basic DNA sequence alignment software for data analysis.
• Participate in plant propagation, growth, maintenance, and measurement of plant traits for downstream statistical analyses.
• Wash, sterilize glassware and instruments in autoclaves, maintain lab supplies, and prepare solutions and media.

Qualifications

• Life Science major, preferably Freshman or Sophomore.
• Completed freshman biology or chemistry courses.
• Organized, efficient, and willing to work up to 20 hours per week (2-4 days per week, including summer).
• Previous lab experience is a plus but not required.
• Understanding of basic chemistry, sterile technique, and general genetics useful for the position.

Position Information

The student worker will be guided by senior researchers in the lab working group and invited to participate in weekly or biweekly lab meetings to gain exposure to scientific discussions, project planning, and reporting laboratory results. Work and study space will be provided in the new Borlaug building housing the Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture on the Texas A&M campus. All positions are security-sensitive and applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, with employment contingent upon verification of credentials and adherence to institutional procedures.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.