Research Associate, Research Scientist, Agriculture ​/ Farming

Research Associate

Texas A&M Agri Life Research – Beaumont, Texas – Staff – Under general supervision, the Research Associate (RA) will provide technical support for breeding and research work to the professional staff. The RA will evaluate, select, and apply standard and advanced scientific techniques used in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory functions. Work performed by the RA will be evaluated based on the successful completion of tasks assigned.

Agency:
Texas A&M Agri Life Research
Department:
Beaumont

Job Location:

Beaumont, Texas
Job Type: Staff
Proposed Minimum Salary:
Commensurate

• Conduct seed and land preparation and planting of research trials and breeding nurseries in the field and greenhouse; manage crop growth through the season (e.g., irrigation, fertilization, pesticide application); harvest for yield or plant samples.
• Collect samples and measure data from research trials and breeding nurseries; collect and summarize crop management information of research trials and breeding nurseries.
• Conduct and record yield and quality measurements using grain analyzers; compile the data using Excel and Word.
• Clean seeds, plant and manage crossing blocks.
• Assist in making crosses for the development of new breeding populations.
• Operate and maintain the functionality of field equipment (e.g., tractors, planters, combine harvester, threshers, backhoe) and laboratory technical equipment (e.g., rice dehullers, mills, whiteness and moisture meters).
• Plants, harvest and takes data in off station yield trials.
• Train and assign tasks as necessary to workers and co-workers under supervisor.
• Travel Puerto Rico for harvesting plant materials.
• Assist staff members in conducting major field experiments and consult in developing procedures.
• Contribute to taking data, writing reports, conduct research and publish manuscripts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform responsibilities listed above, such as: growing, managing, and harvesting rice and samples in field and greenhouse nurseries or experiments; data measurement and compilation; and operating and maintaining field and laboratory equipment.
• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.
• Ensure attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.
• Ability to exert heavy force.
• Ability to work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.
• Requires some out of state travel.
• This is a grant funded position.

Salary:
Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate's qualifications.
Position Funding:
This position is grant funded and availability is contingent on grant funding.

• 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 for Texas A&M Agri Life.

Applications received must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a Linked In profile to prepopulate the online application.
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.