Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral 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 joining AgriLife!

Position Information

Job Summary:

Coordinate with research colleagues in the Department of Entomology (Dr. Keyan Zhu Salzman, Dr Jeffery Tomberlin, others) on a project conducted by a team of researchers evaluating alternative radiation sources for the implementation of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to control screwworm flies. Coordinate activities with Dr. Suresh Pillai and his team at the National Center for Electron Beam Research at Texas A&M University, and other colleagues at Texas A&M University and the USDA.

Job Responsibilities:

10% - Design, plan, conduct, and coordinate experiments in support of screwworm SIT project(s).

10% - Rearing/maintenance of blow fly colonies.

10% - Evaluate, select, and apply standard techniques of routine research; keep detailed records of data.

10% - Use computers and laboratory or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results.

10% - Summarize results for inclusion in scientific and clientele-oriented publications.

10% - Prepare and write proposals to funding agencies; maintain financial accounts related to research projects.

10% - Supervise undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical, or field staff involved in research.

5% - Assist in basic lab management and insect care, as necessary.

5% - Conduct biological assays associated with eBeam, X-ray, and gamma radiation-treated blow flies.

5% -Install, operate, and/or repair research equipment

10% - Other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

- Ph.D. in Entomology, Zoology, Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Ability to design, implement, and analyze experiments/experimental data relating to the SIT project and other possible related projects

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills

- Ability to effectively use a personal computer to communicate, prepare proposals to include cost information on spreadsheets as applicable, and provide reports of activities

- Ability to effectively communicate with faculty, students, and staff

- Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment

- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others

- Detail-oriented with the ability to organize tasks and prioritize work with minimal supervision

- Presentation and Analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications:

- Two years of experience in insect rearing in a lab setting, particularly blow fly rearing

- Two years of research experience/background/training in molecular biology techniques.

Position Funding:

-This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment is dependent upon ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.

Restrictions and Other:

Does this position or the job duties performed involve use of restricted items, software or technology covered by Export Controls regulations?  

- No

Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship:

Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Benefits and Leave:

- Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)

-12–15 annual paid holidays

- Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation

- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

- Employee Wellness Initiative

- Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed program

How to Apply

Applications must include all job application data or a complete resume. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applicants are encouraged to upload a resume or use LinkedIn to prepopulate application fields. 

Required Documents:

- CV/Resume

- List of References with email and daytime phone numbers

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.