Postdoctoral Research Associate Molecular Biology
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
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.
Job description
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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Requirements
- 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.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Holidays
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Leave
- Teacher Retirement System
- Employee Wellness Initiative
- Professional Development
Company overview
Texas A&M AgriLife Research is the premier agricultural and life sciences research agency of the State of Texas and a key component of the Texas A&M University System. Established in 1887 as the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, the agency was rebranded in 2008 to better reflect its comprehensive mission in agriculture and life sciences. With headquarters in College Station, Texas, the organization operates 15 research centers across the state, serving all 254 Texas counties. The agency employs over 400 doctoral-level scientists and maintains an annual budget exceeding $216 million. Texas A&M AgriLife Research conducts groundbreaking research across diverse scientific disciplines including crop science, livestock genetics, natural resource management, food safety, and biotechnology. The organization has made significant contributions to agricultural innovation, including developing the world's largest gene-mapping resources for beef cattle, pioneering mechanical cotton harvesting technology, and creating disease-resistant crop varieties. As part of the land-grant mission, the agency focuses on translating scientific discoveries into practical applications that benefit Texas producers, consumers, and the environment while addressing global challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture.