Postdoctoral Research Associate Molecular Biology

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Molecular Biology Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Animal Science Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description

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 joining Agri Life!

Job Summary:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for designing, conducting, and coordinating molecular biology experiments that address defined research objectives, analyze and interpret the resulting data, and lead the preparation of manuscripts and technical reports. The post doctoral will work with a high degree of independence, contribute preliminary data and methods to funding proposals, and help train students and research staff in experimental design and molecular methods.

• Design and conduct experiments that address defined research objectives, including sampling designs, controls, and replication suited to the study question.
• Develop and validate molecular detection assays, including quantitative PCR and sequencing approaches, for bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance determinants in environmental, animal, and food samples.
• Apply culture and molecular methods to characterize microbial communities, pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance across livestock, wildlife, and food production settings, including multispecies biofilm systems.
• Plan amplicon, metagenomic, and whole genome sequencing studies in coordination with the laboratory's sequencing and bioinformatics staff, and interpret the resulting data against study objectives.
• Analyze experimental data with appropriate statistical methods in R or Python, and prepare figures and tables for publication.
• Lead the writing of manuscripts and technical reports, and contribute methods, preliminary data, and results to funding proposals.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and follow the laboratory's data management practices.
• Operate and help maintain the laboratory's molecular instrumentation.
• Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students and research staff in experimental design and molecular methods.
• Coordinate experiments and timelines with collaborators at partner universities and federal laboratories.
• Present findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and stakeholder meetings.

• PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, animal science, veterinary science, or a closely related field.
• Research experience in molecular biology or microbiology, evidenced by peer reviewed publications.
• Bench expertise in nucleic acid extraction, PCR detection, and at least one sequencing approach (amplicon, metagenomic, or whole genome sequencing).
• Experience designing experiments and analyzing data with appropriate statistical methods.
• Strong scientific writing, with the ability to draft manuscripts and technical reports with limited supervision.
• The ability to manage several concurrent experiments and coordinate with project teams.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

• Research experience with microbial communities, pathogens, or antimicrobial resistance in livestock, wildlife, environmental, or food production systems.
• Experience developing and validating quantitative PCR or digital PCR assays.
• Experience with nanopore sequencing.
• Experience analyzing sequencing data with command line tools and R or Python.
• Experience with biofilm models or culture methods for bacterial pathogens.
• Experience working under biosafety level 2 conditions.
• Experience contributing to extramural funding proposals.
• Experience mentoring students.

Other Requirements:
This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued…