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Texas A&M University System

Texas public university system

Research Associate - Molecular Biology

Life Sciences ResearchConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeCollege Station, TX, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in a life science, chemistry, or a related field is required.
  • Two years of related professional experience in molecular biology, molecular diagnostics, or a closely related field are required.
  • Bench experience with nucleic acid extraction, quantitative PCR, or next generation sequencing library preparation, and quality control of nucleic acids is required.
  • Familiarity with standard molecular biology laboratory equipment and the ability to follow and apply established protocols are required.
  • The ability to use computers and applicable software to manage data, perform statistical analyses, and present results is required.
  • The ability to manage multiple tasks and work cooperatively with laboratory staff, students, and collaborators, with consistent record keeping and sample chain of custody, is required.
  • Clear written communication, including detailed laboratory records and technical summaries, is required.
  • A master's degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field is preferred.
  • Experience operating nanopore sequencing instruments or short read sequencing platforms is preferred.
  • Experience running quantitative PCR or digital PCR assays is preferred.
  • Experience processing environmental, animal, or food samples, including low biomass samples and samples with high inhibitor loads, is preferred.
  • Familiarity with command line tools for basecalling, demultiplexing, and read quality assessment is preferred.
  • Experience with automated liquid handling systems is preferred.
  • Experience working under biosafety level 2 conditions is preferred.
  • Contributions to peer reviewed publications or funding proposals are preferred.
  • Experience training or mentoring students in laboratory methods is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Design, plan, conduct, and coordinate molecular biology experiments in support of the laboratory's research projects, including sample processing and sequencing runs.
  • Evaluate, select, and apply established protocols for nucleic acid extraction, sequencing library preparation, and targeted molecular assays, including quantitative PCR, across environmental, animal, and food sample types, and assist with protocol optimization for new sample types.
  • Prepare next generation sequencing libraries and carry out sequencing runs on the laboratory's platforms, including nanopore instruments, and troubleshoot routine run problems.
  • Perform quality control checks on input material and finished libraries against established acceptance criteria, keep detailed records of quality control data, and report results that fall outside specification to the principal investigator.
  • Compile and analyze sequencing run metrics and assay data, carry out initial data processing (basecalling, demultiplexing, and read quality assessment), and prepare data packages for the laboratory's bioinformatics staff.
  • Participate in field and farm sample collection, including cold chain handling, chain of custody documentation, and recording of sample metadata.
  • Maintain sample inventories and detailed data records in line with the laboratory's data management policy.
  • Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in molecular methods, instrument operation, and quality control, and contribute to written standard operating procedures.
  • Install, operate, and maintain sequencing and quality control instruments, including routine performance checks, and report service needs to the lab manager.
  • Summarize results and prepare methods descriptions and figures for manuscripts and project reports, and assist with the preparation of funding proposals.
  • Work with postdoctoral researchers, collaborators, and the lab manager on experiment timelines, reagent and consumable needs, and reporting of results.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

About the Company

Texas A&M University System

Texas public university system

Texas A&M University System is a statewide public university system combining higher education, research, and public-service agencies. The system coordinates universities and state agencies that deliver teaching, research, extension, engineering, health, and community programs. It serves students, faculty, researchers, public agencies, industries, and communities throughout Texas. Its operating model centers on autonomous member institutions connected through system governance, shared services, public funding, and statewide missions. Teams work across instruction, research, healthcare, extension, engineering, technology, administration, facilities, and public service. Teams support coordinated daily delivery.

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