Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Horticultural Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

$4,166.67 monthly

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Responsibilities:

•Lead and coordinate lab activities, including scheduling, supply requisition, safety, and compliance (5%).

•Conduct research on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze large-scale biological, genomic, metabolomic, and phenotypic dataset (25%).

•Investigate the genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors influencing bioactive compounds and volatiles in fruits and vegetables (5%).

•Developing AI-enabled decision support tools for breeding climate-resilient, high-quality horticultural crops (5%)

•Maintain laboratory certification through record-keeping and quality assurance and collaborate with research teams, industry partners, and other experts, including participation in the tomato integrated project. Conduct field trials and collect samples across Texas as needed (10%).

•Work with transdisciplinary scientists and analyze large data set (10%)

•Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, as well as visiting scientists (10%).

•Participate in grant writing, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of research through peer-reviewed publications (5%).

•Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center (25%).

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and Genomic selection related to climate resilience and secondary metabolites of fruits and vegetables.

Preferred licenses or certifications:

Ability to obtain a valid US driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•Experience applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze large-scale biological, genomic, metabolomic, and phenotypic datasets.

•Knowledge of genomic selection, genomic prediction, GWAS, quantitative genetics, and statistical learning for crop improvement.

•Experience integrating multi-omics datasets (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, phenomics, microbiome) for predictive modeling and biological interpretation.

•Proficiency in Python, R, AI/ML frameworks, and bioinformatics pipelines for high-throughput data analysis and decision support in plant breeding.

•Experience developing AI-enabled decision support tools for breeding climate-resilient, high-quality horticultural crops.

•Familiarity with statistical modeling and computational approaches for bioactive compound analysis.

•Next-generation sequencing, metagenomics, RNA-seq and transcriptomics analysis.

•Multi-omics integration.

•Bioinformatics and data analysis using R and Python.

•AI/ML-assisted biological data analysis.

•Ability to manage laboratory personnel, inventory, and research projects.

•Strong background in preparing safety manuals, analytical methods, and standard operating procedures.

•Experience in disseminating research findings through reports, presentations, and grant proposals.

•Mentorship experience with students and lab members.

Machine or equipment used to perform the essential duties of this position:

computer 20 hours, telephone 5 hours, calculator 1 hour.

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.