Research Associate

Job Title

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!

Job Responsibilities:

*Research and Experimental Support

-Design, plan, conduct, and coordinate experiments supporting research on gene drive performance, DNA repair pathway usage, chromosomal position effects, and transgene removal in Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti. Assist with development, testing, and validation of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents, guide RNAs, donor constructs, transgenic lines, and related genome engineering tools. Perform genetic crosses, progeny screening, insect colony maintenance, fluorescence-based phenotyping, molecular assays, and routine troubleshooting of experimental protocols.

*Molecular Analysis, Data Evaluation, and Research Equipment Operation

-Use laboratory and technical equipment to perform PCR, genotyping, sequencing preparation, gel electrophoresis, fluorescence screening, HRMA or related genotyping assays, and other molecular biology procedures. Analyze and summarize experimental outcomes, including inheritance patterns, homing rates, indel formation, transgene excision, DNA repair events, and resistance allele formation. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and ensure accurate documentation of equipment use, experimental data, and research results.

*Research Publications, Proposals, and Reporting

-Compile and summarize data for scientific manuscripts, progress reports, presentations, funding proposals, and other research documents. Assist with preparation of figures, tables, methods summaries, and written descriptions of experimental results. Contribute to proposal development and project documentation related to gene drive efficacy, DNA repair, mosquito transgenesis, and gene drive mitigation strategies.

*Training and Laboratory Coordination

-Train undergraduate students, graduate students, technicians, and other laboratory personnel in research procedures, insect handling, molecular biology techniques, data recording, equipment operation, and biosafety practices. Assist with coordinating day-to-day laboratory workflows, maintaining insect stocks and research materials, and ensuring that research activities are performed according to established protocols.

*Compliance, Safety, and Laboratory Operations

-Support compliance with institutional biosafety, genetically modified organism, and arthropod containment requirements. Maintain organized laboratory records, inventories, protocols, and research materials. Assist with routine lab organization, ordering, and preparation of supplies needed for ongoing experiments.

*Performs Other Duties as Assigned

-Perform other duties as needed to support the research program, including weekend or after-hours work for insect colony maintenance, experimental time points, blood feeding schedules, data collection, or other project needs.

Required Education:
-Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, bioengineering, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education:

-Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, bioengineering, or a closely related field. Coursework or training in molecular genetics, genome engineering, DNA repair, transgenesis, or genomics. Training in laboratory safety, biosafety, genetically modified organism handling, arthropod containment, or related research compliance areas.

Required Experience:

-Two years of related experience in a specialized and relevant field of research.

Preferred Experience:

-Experience working with Drosophila melanogaster or other laboratory model organisms.

-Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, transgenesis, gene drive systems, DNA repair assays, or functional genetics.

-Experience with genetic crosses, insect colony maintenance, fluorescence-based screening, phenotyping, or multigenerational inheritance studies.

-Experience analyzing DNA repair outcomes, including homology-directed repair, end joining, microhomology-mediated end joining, single-strand annealing, indel formation, or resistance allele formation.

-Experience with plasmid construction, guide RNA design, donor template preparation, embryo microinjection support, or transgenic line screening. Experience with HRMA, Sanger sequencing analysis, nanopore sequencing preparation, inverse PCR, or other genotyping/sequencing-based methods.

-Experience preparing scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, progress reports, conference abstracts, or presentations.

-Experience training students, technicians, or other laboratory personnel.

-Experience working under biosafety or containment protocols for genetically modified organisms or arthropods.

-Experience conducting laboratory research in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, or a related scientific field.

-Experience using standard molecular biology techniques such as molecular cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, genotyping, sequencing preparation, or DNA/RNA sample handling.

-Experience maintaining accurate laboratory records, organizing data, and summarizing experimental results.

-Experience using computers and applicable software for data entry, data analysis, literature review, figure preparation, and scientific communication.

-Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting laboratory or technical research equipment. -Experience working independently while following established research protocols and safety procedures.

-Experience working collaboratively with faculty, students, staff, or other research personnel.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

-Knowledge of standard laboratory research methods in molecular biology, genetics, or a related field. Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and technical equipment used in molecular biology, genetics, and insect research.

-Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software for data analysis, recordkeeping, literature review, and scientific communication.

-Ability to follow research protocols, maintain detailed records, and ensure accuracy in experimental work.

-Ability to organize, evaluate, and summarize research data.

-Ability to exercise discretion and judgment in planning experiments, troubleshooting procedures, and interpreting results.

-Ability to manage multiple research tasks and meet project deadlines.

-Attention to detail. Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, students, staff, and collaborators.

-Ability to train others in routine research procedures and laboratory practices.

-Ability to work occasional weekends or after normal business hours as required by experimental schedules or insect colony needs.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

-Knowledge of Drosophila or insect genetics. Knowledge of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, transgenic insect systems, gene drive concepts, and DNA repair mechanisms.

-Knowledge of homology-directed repair, end joining, microhomology-mediated end joining, and single-strand annealing. Skill in molecular cloning, PCR, genotyping, sequence analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and phenotypic screening.

-Skill in maintaining insect colonies, setting up genetic crosses, collecting progeny, and scoring inheritance or marker phenotypes.

-Ability to analyze genetic and molecular data related to homing, indel formation, chromosomal position effects, and repair pathway outcomes.

-Ability to assist with development and optimization of new protocols.

-Ability to prepare figures, tables, written summaries, and research updates for scientific audiences. -Knowledge of biosafety practices related to genetically modified organisms and arthropod containment.

Please attach to your complete application:

-Resume/CV

-List references with email and daytime phone number(s)

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

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.