Senior Research Associate

Responsibilities

• Performs dry laboratory operations such as seed processing, ginning, planting prep, packing, etc.
• Performs wet lab activities such as seed treatments, delinting, DNA extraction, etc.
• Performs greenhouse management.
• Performs field/greenhouse/lab data collection and analyses.
• Supervise undergraduate students involved in research.

Requirements

• Required Education And Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Genetics, Biology, Horticulture, or related field. Four years of related professional experience.
• Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities: Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis), knowledge of plant breeding and genetics principles, statistical analysis software proficiency (R, SAS, or equivalent), strong attention to detail and record-keeping abilities, excellent organizational and project management skills, 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.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities: Experience with database management systems, laboratory experience with cotton or other fiber crop, experience with plant breeding and genetic research.
• Preferred Licenses Or Certifications: Ability to obtain valid driver's license with clean driving record, laboratory safety certification, biosafety training certification.
• Preferred Experience: Minimum of 1 year in BSL level 1 experience. 1 year experience in molecular biology techniques in addition to or including the BSL level 1 experiences.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs.
• Not allergic to cotton fiber, dust, plant materials, pollen, or other natural products encountered in outdoor setting.
• Ability to work normal workday in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments with varying temperatures and humidity.

Skills

• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis)
• Knowledge of plant breeding and genetics principles
• Statistical analysis software proficiency (R, SAS, or equivalent)
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping abilities
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• 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

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• Up to 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

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Normal workday in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments with varying temperatures and humidity.