Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M AgriLife is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agriculture program, bringing 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 Texas county, Texas A&M AgriLife improves lives, environments, and the Texas economy through education, research, extension, and service.

About the role

The Global Public Health Entomology Laboratory in the Department of Entomology investigates emerging and re-emerging mosquito-borne arboviruses. Current research areas include mosquito-arbovirus interactions, sexual transmission of arboviruses, neuropathogenesis of viral strains using human organoid models, antiviral immune responses independent of neutralizing antibodies, and arbovirus epidemiology. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop independent research, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and contribute to grant development.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory and/or field research on mosquito-borne viruses, including molecular biology, cell culture, mosquito infection experiments, animal studies (as applicable), and other experimental procedures.
• Develop and optimize research protocols, collect and maintain accurate research records, and ensure compliance with laboratory safety, biosafety, and institutional policies.
• Organize, analyze, interpret, and maintain research data using appropriate statistical and computational methods.
• Prepare figures, tables, and summaries of research findings, and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, present research findings at scientific meetings, maintain familiarity with the scientific literature, collaborate with investigators within Texas A&M University and external institutions, and assist in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis.
• Assist with grant proposal development, progress reports, regulatory documentation, ordering and purchasing laboratory supplies and equipment, maintaining laboratory inventory, and other activities that support the successful execution of laboratory research projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the research program and laboratory operations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Entomology, Parasitology, Biology, Microbiology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated research experience with BSL-2 and/or BSL-3 pathogens, molecular biology techniques, mammalian cell culture, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Experience with one or more of the following: mosquito infection experiments, small- to medium-sized vertebrate animal models, immunology, or epidemiological research.

Skills

• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory equipment and techniques, as well as the ability to troubleshoot.
• Committed to maintaining a safe working environment in the laboratory, with a good understanding of relevant safety protocols and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and recordkeeping abilities, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection and analysis.
• Proficiency in data analysis and report writing.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present scientific data and concepts to a diverse audience.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and staff, while also being able to work independently as needed.

Additional Requirements

• Work may require standing or sitting at a workbench for extended periods of time.
• Overnight and weekend travel associated with research or presenting research results at conferences may occasionally be required.
• Willingness to work with arboviruses, mosquitoes, and small vertebrate animal models as required by the research projects.
• Willingness to adapt work schedule according to experimental design is required.

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.

Location: College Station, Texas