Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

College of Science - Life Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.  As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

PURPOSE

The Postdoctoral Research Associate, under supervision of Dr. Yajuan Lin, is responsible for conducting research in microbial ecology, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.  The Postdoctoral Research Associate will utilize the skills and expertise granted to them by their education and experience to complete research projects in their field of expertise. Writes and contribute to research papers, articles, and publications. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and contribute to field sampling/experiments, molecular analyses, and bioinformatic investigations of marine microbial processes.

DESCRIPTION

Functional Area 1: Research

Percent Effort: 80%

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in support of research projects.
• Complete research projects in microbial ecology, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.
• Collect, analyze, summarize and interpret research data results.
• Assist in laboratory, and field research program operations, including equipment maintenance and resource management.
• Writes and contribute to research papers, articles, and publications.
• Participate in the preparation of grant proposals, funding applications, and progress reports.
• Develop research methodologies, protocols, and experimental designs appropriate to the discipline.

Functional Area 2: Mentoring

Percent Effort: 10%

• May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project.

Functional Area 3: Presentations

Percent Effort: 10%

• Prepare presentation materials on research topics at professional meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops.
• Actively participates in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in in microbiology, biological oceanography, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Background in microbial ecology and/or molecular biology.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Demonstrated record of research productivity and peer-reviewed publications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• First-author publications in high-impact journals particularly valued.

• Fieldwork experience is desirable but not required.

This a grant-funded position. Continued employment contingent upon available funding.

This two-year postdoc position is supported by the NSF award, Collaborative Research: Deciphering Nutrient Sources and Microbial Processes Fueling the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt.

NOTE:Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

INSURANCE:

• Medical
  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
    • Employee and Spouse
    • Employee and Children
    • Employee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Public Loan Forgiveness
• Book scholarships
• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
• 12-15 paid holidays each year.

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.