Research Scientist

Job Title Research Scientist Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Entomology Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff

• Conduct Independent Research - Conduct complex, independent research focused on the molecular mechanisms of antiviral RNA interference (RNAi), innate immune pathways, and host-pathogen interactions in
  * Aedes aegypti
  * mosquitoes.
  
  -Design, execute, and optimize experimental approaches using molecular biology, virology, genetics, genome editing, and other advanced laboratory techniques.
  
  -Analyze and interpret experimental data to advance project objectives related to mosquito immunity, antiviral defense, infection tolerance, and novel genetic vector control strategies.
  
  -Maintain accurate research records and ensure compliance with university, sponsor, and biosafety requirements.
• Data Analysis, Scientific Communication, and Sponsored Research
  -Analyze research findings using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics methods.
  
  -Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, technical reports, presentations, and other scholarly products for publication and dissemination.
  
  -Contribute to progress reports, grant proposals, and other sponsor-required documentation supporting ongoing and future research activities.
  
  -Present research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and sponsor meetings.
• Collaboration, Mentorship, and Laboratory Operations
  -Collaborate with principal investigators, faculty, postdoctoral researchers, students, and external collaborators on multidisciplinary research projects.
  
  -Mentor and provide scientific guidance to graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory personnel.
  
  -Assist with laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and procurement of research supplies to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Research Program Support and Compliance
  -Assist with planning and implementation of research activities to achieve project milestones and sponsor objectives.
  
  -Ensure research activities comply with institutional policies, biosafety procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  
  -Support implementation of new research methodologies and continuous improvement of laboratory procedures.
• Performs Other Duties as Assigned
  -Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental, college, and sponsored research program needs.

• Ph.D. in , Virology, Microbiology, Immunology, Vector Biology, Entomology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, or a closely related life sciences field.

• Postdoctoral training in molecular virology, vector biology, immunology, genetics, or a related biomedical research discipline.

• Mosquito vector biology (Aedes aegypti preferred)
• Arbovirology (e.g., dengue, Zika, chikungunya, or related viruses)
• RNA interference (RNAi) and innate immune signaling
• CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and transgenic insect technologies
• Molecular genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, or bioinformatics
• Advanced molecular biology and cell culture techniques

• Six (6) years of related research experience in molecular biology, virology, immunology, genetics, entomology, vector biology, or a closely related field (may include postdoctoral research experience). Demonstrated experience independently designing, conducting, and analyzing complex biological research experiments.

• Experience conducting research involving Aedes aegypti or other medically important mosquito vectors.
• Experience working with arboviruses (e.g., dengue, Zika, chikungunya, or related viruses) and appropriate biosafety practices.
• Experience with RNA interference (RNAi), innate immune signaling pathways, or host-pathogen interactions.
• Experience using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, transgenic insect technologies, or other advanced genetic engineering techniques.
• Experience with mosquito rearing, insectary operations, and vector infection assays.
• Experience with bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing data analysis, and statistical analysis of biological datasets.
• Experience mentoring graduate students, undergraduate researchers, or laboratory personnel.
• Experience contributing to or leading grant proposals and preparing sponsor progress reports.
• Record of peer-reviewed scientific publications in relevant research areas.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning, gene expression analysis, and related laboratory methodologies.
• Experience maintaining accurate research records, analyzing data, and preparing scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and/or peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience working effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

• Advanced knowledge of molecular biology, virology, genetics, immunology, entomology, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Knowledge…