Assistant Research Scientist

Job Title

Assistant Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service

Department

Entomology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Overton, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

• Texas A&M AgriLife 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 AgriLife 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 AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

Responsibilities:

• Research and Laboratory Operations
• Conducts independent and collaborative research related to honey bee health, pathogens, parasites, diagnostics, and applied apicultural science. Performs molecular, microbiological, and laboratory-based analyses, including sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, and data collection. Maintains laboratory equipment, inventory, and research materials while assisting with laboratory organization, cleaning, and safety compliance. Analyzes and summarizes research findings and contributes to the preparation of manuscripts, technical reports, and publications.
• Diagnostic Testing and Sample Processing
• Receives, logs, processes, and analyzes honey bee samples submitted to the diagnostic laboratory. *Assists with the implementation and optimization of diagnostic assays and standard operating procedures. Maintains accurate laboratory records, databases, and sample tracking systems to support research and diagnostic activities.
• Grant and Research Support
• Assists with the preparation of grant proposals, budgets, progress reports, and supporting documentation for externally funded projects.
• Supports research project coordination, purchasing, and compliance activities associated with laboratory and field research programs.
• Mentoring and Training
• Assists in mentoring and training undergraduate students, graduate students, student workers, and postdoctoral researchers involved in honey bee research and diagnostic projects.
• Provides guidance on laboratory procedures, equipment usage, and research methodologies.
• Presentations and Outreach
• Prepares presentation materials, summaries, and technical information related to research and diagnostic activities.
• Participates in presentations, workshops, meetings, and outreach activities for scientific, stakeholder, and Extension audiences.
• Assists with the preparation of technical progress reports for research sponsors and collaborators.
• Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Appropriate PhD and relevant professional experience.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate's qualifications.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, 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 AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife 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 AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife 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 LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

Required Documents

CV/ Resume

Cover letter

List of references

Certifications/additional documentation

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.