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

This position is grant funded and availability is contingent on grant funding.

Responsibilities

• Utilize skills to complete research projects in the field of fruit flies
• Be dedicated to completing research work assignments
• Follow up experimental aims and schedules
• Maintain laboratory records and keep project timelines
• Report data and discuss results with the project lead for future work
• Participate in group meetings and team-based discussions
• Share knowledge and skills with colleagues
• Comply with safety/ethical regulations in USDA facilities
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences
• Two years of related professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Insect rearing and breeding
• Fruit fly quality control procedures for egg hatching, pupal growth, stress tolerance, flight ability, etc.
• Genetic crossing and phenotype characterization

Skills

• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment
• 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

Pay

$3,992.00 monthly

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance (Texas A&M AgriLife contributes 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