Research​/Development Technician, Research Scientist

Job Title

Technician I Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Commensurate

College Station, Texas

Staff

About Texas A&M Agri Life Texas A&M Agri Life is comprised of the following 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 Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M Agri Life 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 Agri Life is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.  to learn more about how you can be a part of Agri Life and make a difference in the world!

Position Information The Grunwald lab is seeking an ambitious and highly motivated technician to support the research and outreach activities of the laboratory. A successful candidate will work in a collaborative environment to provide technical support for molecular plant pathology research conducted on plant pathogens of emerging biosafety concern: from developing molecular detection technologies to evaluating the biological risk of seedborne pathogens and including conducting grower/producer surveys to assess the preparedness of agricultural systems to biological threats.

• Conducts experiments and technical procedures.
• Solve research problems and collects data.
• Reviews literature on potential procedures and experiments.
• Modifies procedures to suit specific research needs.
• Orders scientific supplies and equipment.
• Research and catalogs reference materials requiring subject-matter theory.
• Assists with planning and supervising technical operations.
• Assists personnel involved in a series of controlled-environment or analytical experiments.
• Writes and/or edits scientific materials for publication, requiring academic knowledge.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of lab experience in molecular biology techniques, including molecular cloning, DNA purification, RNA purification, DNA sequencing, and gel electrophoresis.

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.
• Ensure attention to detail.
• Able to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience working with different PCR techniques (conventional and quantitative).
• Familiarity in “next-generation” sequencing workflows, including bioinformatic analysis.
• An understanding of current research in plant pathology and molecular diagnostics.
• Well organized, self-motivated, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in or familiar with data analysis using computational platforms, e.g., R or Python.

Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. This is an hourly paid position.

When you choose to work for Texas A&M Agri Life, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents. In addition, Texas A&M Agri Life offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision,…