Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University’s Department of Biology seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research on the functional and evolutionary genetics of the insect uterus, sperm storage organs, and reproductive glands.

About the role

Under general supervision, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will design and complete projects within their area of expertise, analyze and communicate research findings through scholarly publications, collaborate with faculty and fellow researchers, and maintain a clean, safe, and organized research workspace.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in the field of expertise, utilizing advanced knowledge and skills gained through education and experience to complete research projects.
• Assist with the preparation and cleaning of the worksite.
• Analyze research data, summarize findings, and contribute to research papers, publications, presentations, and technical progress reports for research sponsors.
• May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and graduate students working on project-related research.
• May require light lifting of 20 lbs and frequent standing and walking.
• May require fine manual dexterity for microdissection work.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology or a closely related field.
• Expertise in Drosophila genetics and/or genomics and evolutionary biology, evidenced by authorship on relevant publications and prepared manuscripts.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate students in laboratory research.

Preferred skills

• Insect reproductive biology and sexual selection theory.
• Confocal and light microscopy; phenotypic quantification, especially of reproductive traits; Drosophila transgenesis; cloning; microdissection, especially of insect female reproductive organs; statistical analyses; single-cell RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis; genetic mapping including QTL, GWAS, or PhyloG2P methods; and/or culturing additional non-melanogaster Drosophilid species.
• Laboratory administration, including purchasing, equipment maintenance, lab safety assessment, and Drosophila culture maintenance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, analytical, and detail-oriented skills.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance with Texas A&M 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.
• Free exercise programs and release time.
• Professional development: free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while employed.
• Access to university amenities such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and more.

This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.