Postdoctoral Research Associate

Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Associate role at Texas A&M Agri Life Research located in Stephenville, Texas. This full‑time staff position is grant‑funded and offers a salary commensurate with qualifications.

• Agency: Texas A&M Agrilife Research
• Department: Stephenville
• Job Type: Staff (Full‑time)
• Salary: Commensurate with qualifications
• Location: Stephenville, Texas
• Position Funding: Grant‑funded; availability depends on grant funding

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 and most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M Agri Life unites a college and four state agencies to advance education, research, extension, and service. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every Texas county, we are uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments, and the Texas economy.

The Texas A&M Agri Life Research and Extension Center at Stephenville seeks a highly motivated, full‑time postdoctoral research associate with a strong background in environmental microbiology, environmental processes, advanced or renewable materials for environmental applications, waste‑derived biofuels and bioproducts, and greenhouse gas control.

• Conduct environmental microbiology studies, including microbial community analysis, antibiotic‑resistant genes, and pathogens in water, soil, plants, and sludge.
• Investigate environmental processes such as adsorption, advanced oxidation/reduction, and biological treatment.
• Develop advanced or renewable materials (e.g., biochar) for water purification and environmental remediation.
• Produce biofuels, biochemicals, and bioproducts from various waste streams.
• Implement greenhouse gas control strategies in soil, water, and contaminated sites.
• Supervise technicians, undergraduate, and graduate students.
• Coordinate research activities with a multidisciplinary team of collaborators.
• Present data at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Foster strong relationships with collaborators to ensure seamless communication and data sharing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. in environmental engineering science, chemical engineering, biological engineering, agricultural engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, or molecular biology.
• Experience with water treatment, biofuel and bioproducts, emerging contaminants, and advanced materials.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
• Statistical analysis experience.

• Experience in production and applications of biochar for environmental, energy, and agricultural processes.
• Proficiency in environmental biotechnology, including microbial community analysis and antibiotic resistance studies.
• Knowledge of advanced materials, including biochar and carbon materials.
• Experience in producing biofuels and bioproducts from agricultural waste, microalgae, and other biomass.
• Experience with emerging contaminant treatment (e.g., antibiotics, algal toxins, PFAS) in water and soil.
• Familiarity with analytical instruments (LC/MS, HPLC, GC, ICP, XRD, SEM/EDX, XPS, etc.).
• Experience in molecular techniques such as qPCR and 16S microbial community analysis.

Compensation is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. Texas A&M Agri Life offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance, 12–15 days of annual paid holidays, up to eight hours of paid sick leave, a minimum of eight hours of paid vacation each month, automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an employee wellness initiative.

Applications must include all job application data or a resume. Incomplete submissions may be rejected. Applicants are encouraged to upload a resume or use a Linked In profile to prepopulate the application.

• Cover letter
• CV
• Three professional references

All positions are security‑sensitive. Applicants will be subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon credential verification and compliance with institutional procedures.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.