Research Associate

About the role

The Research Associate performs independent or supervisory roles in research activities requiring an advanced level of knowledge in a field of science or learning, are predominantly intellectual and varied in character, and require consistent use of discretion and judgment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise experiments in support of various research projects conducted at the McGregor Research Center: this includes sourcing animals, scheduling facility use, communicating and coordinating research schedules for labor, data collection, and equipment use.
• Evaluate, select, and apply standard techniques of research; to include routine data collection for research and herd management. Collect, transfer, and summarize detailed records of data. Knowledge of program guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations: including AgriLife Animal Care & Use Committee and A&M Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee.
• Assist with research needs from research PI’s or graduate students during projects: this may include but not limited to data collection, feed management, animal management, adjustments to facilities, pasture design, schedules, or research protocols.
• Aid in operation and maintenance of equipment and technology used for electronic data collection.
• Use computers and laboratory or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results.
• Summarize results for inclusion in scientific and clientele-oriented publications.
• Prepare and write proposals to funding agencies; maintain financial accounts related to research projects.
• Supervise undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical or field staff involved in research during research project data collections while at McGregor Research Center.
• Coordinate data collection and timely data entry into AgriWebb (McGregor’s livestock, pasture, and feed management program), Farmbrite (McGregor’s livestock inventory program), TEAMs Excel Cattle Files, as well as training other employees to use the programs.
• Assist with scheduled cattle management and husbandry processing. This includes (but is not limited to) vaccinations, tagging, mixing feed, feeding (rations or hay), animal movement, data collection, and maintaining animal records.
• Operate, maintain, update, and/or repair research equipment.
• Maintain training requirements for compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Minimum of two years of related professional experience.
• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.
• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases and perform other computer related tasks.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in relevant field.