Research Associate, Research Assistant​/Associate

Research Associate

Job Title:

Research Associate. Department:
Agrilife Research.

Location:

Amarillo, Texas. Position type:
Staff. Salary: commensurate.

Texas A&M Agri Life is a leading agriculture program that includes Texas A&M University System members:
Texas A&M Agri Life Extension Service, Texas A&M Agri Life Research, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county, we improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

The Research Associate supports the Environmental Quality and Natural Resources (EQNR) research program in the Texas Panhandle and the Dairy Net Zero research project. The role involves skilled, administrative and managerial support in research, including collecting accurate soil, greenhouse gas, soil water, weather, plant biomass data and QA/QC data, and directing certain phases of research projects.

• Support the Environmental Quality and Soil Health research programs through planning, logistics, and execution of air‑monitoring and soil health projects led by the Professor and Center Director in Agricultural Engineering and by the Assistant Professor of Soil Science/Soil Health.
• Exhibit a firm commitment to a culture of safety and scientific standards.
• Drive state‑owned vehicles to and from research sites at Bushland, TX, and across the Texas Panhandle and adjacent regions; occasional overnight travel is expected for training and certification at federal air quality compliance‑monitoring operations in Austin, TX.
• Under limited supervision, perform weekly or bi‑weekly calibrations, audits, maintenance, and troubleshooting of air‑monitoring instruments; enter thorough documentation in electronic field books; report instrument malfunctions and low supply levels.
• Under limited supervision, perform weekly sample‑retrieval and instrument troubleshooting, maintenance and repair at the Cañonceta atmospheric deposition‑monitoring site.
• Under limited supervision, perform instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair at TCEQ monitoring sites.
• Maintain inventory records, monitor supplies, and order restock as necessary.
• Receive shipments of sampling supplies; package and ship samples to analytical laboratories.
• Pack and ship TCEQ analytical equipment as necessary.
• Use computers and laboratory or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis and technical evaluation of research experiments and results.
• Evaluate and summarize results.
• Assist undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical or field staff involved in research.
• Assist with reports, invoices and cataloging records.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisors or their designee(s).

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, biology, engineering, environmental science, or related disciplines.
• Two years of related professional experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must possess or be able to possess a Texas pesticide applicator’s license.
• Knowledge of instrument maintenance and equipment.
• Knowledge of Li‑Cor multiplexers LI‑7810/7820, neutron moisture meter (neutron probe), Giddings probe, tractors, weather stations and small plot research.
• Knowledge of computers and Microsoft software related to the position.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical, mechanical and computer/data issues and independently initiate repairs/solutions.
• Basic skills in welding and fabrication.
• Basic skills in hand and power tools.

• Experience with field‑based agronomic experiments.

Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

• Health, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance with Texas A&M Agri Life 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.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.