Research Associate

Job Title

Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Genomics & Bioinformatics Services

Proposed Minimum Salary

$3,750.00 monthly

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

Texas A&M AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics Service (TxGen), a multimillion-dollar research unit within Texas A&M AgriLife Research, has grown over the last 16 years to be one of the leading Agriculture-focused sequencing facilities in the world, with several world firsts to our name. Come join an extraordinary team of AgriLife scientists with vast and various backgrounds. TxGen has worked with scientists in 45 countries, has completed thousands of projects, and maintains strong collaborations with several of the top sequencing and biotechnology companies to advance agricultural and biological research around the world. We are seeking a highly detail-oriented candidate with professional laboratory experience executing Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation and quality control (QC). Experience with automated liquid handlers and short-read sequencing platforms is highly desirable. As a specialized member of a close-knit group, you will be exposed to all aspects of our facility operations. In this role, you will perform skilled, independent laboratory procedures and technical troubleshooting within a high-throughput research service environment. You will be responsible for executing laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintaining meticulous documentation, and ensuring data integrity across complex genomic workflows.

Responsibilities:

• Execute NGS Workflows: Perform high-throughput Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation and sample quality control (QC) protocols.
• Operate Advanced Automation: Run, maintain, and troubleshoot precision laboratory instrumentation, automated liquid handlers, and sequencing platforms.
• Manage Data & Samples: Handle sample intake, log processing steps into the laboratory information management system (LIMS), and verify sample data integrity.
• Generate Client Reports: Compile specialized metadata, organize experimental results, and translate laboratory data into clear, accurate technical reports for clients.
• Maintain Quality Standards: Follow established laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), institutional biosafety guidelines, and quality control metrics.
• Perform Other Duties: Execute related laboratory and administrative tasks as assigned to support facility operations.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Genetics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a relevant scientific field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience performing high-throughput NGS library preparation and associated quality control procedures.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated proficiency in high-throughput NGS library preparation workflows.
• Experience performing molecular biology quality control (QC), including nucleic acid quantification and fragment analysis.
• Experience working with automated liquid handling systems or the ability to become proficient quickly.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and standard scientific instrumentation.
• Exceptional attention to detail and precision under time-sensitive service deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift laboratory supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform repetitive pipetting and fine laboratory procedures.
• Ability to distinguish colors used in laboratory assays and instrumentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating automated liquid handling systems.
• Experience with Illumina sequencing platforms.
• Experience working in a CLIA, GLP, ISO, or research service laboratory.
• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

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.

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.