Research Assistant

Job description

Job Title Research Assistant 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 Responsibilities: -Insect pathogen culturing and identification using microbiological techniques including sterile handling procedures, growth media preparation, and microbial culturing. -Insect pathogen identification utilizing molecular biology skills such as reagent preparation, gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction, PCR, qRT-PCR and DNA sequencing. -Data collection, recording and analysis. -Lab maintenance, cleanliness and safety. - Performs skilled, administrative, and managerial support in research. -Plans and directs certain phases in a research project. Required Qualifications: -Bachelor’s degree in relevant field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Preferred Qualifications : -Master's degree in relevant field. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Microbiological: -Sterile handling procedures, growth media preparation, and microbial culturing Molecular biology: -Reagent preparation, gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction, PCR, qRT-PCR and DNA sequencing 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 pack age 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 Applica nt 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 D ocuments -Resume/CV -List of References with email and daytime phone number(s) 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.