Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Entomology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings 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 county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

The Global Public Health Entomology Laboratory in the Department of Entomology investigates emerging/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.

Job 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.

Required Education:

-Ph.D. in Entomology, Parasitology, Biology, Microbiology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, or in closely related fields.

Preferred Experience:

-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.

Required Skills, Knowledge, or Abilities:

-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/sitting at work bench 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.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• 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

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

Required Documents

-Resume/CV

-List of References with email and daytime phone numbers

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.