Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Uvalde, TXOnsitePosted 47 days ago

Full TimeEntry LevelResearch & ScientistResearch Institute

Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will support research in the Vegetable Breeding Program at Uvalde, which is focused on studying genomics, tissue culture, integrated pest management, agronomy and breeding of cultivars for vegetable crops and will assist Dr. Subas Malla in managing the logistics, reporting, communication, outreach, organization, and budget oversight for the 4-year USDA NIFA SCRI onion project and the TDA-SCBG onion and watermelon projects.

Job description

Position Information

Job Duties

Plan and managing research trials for the USDA NIFA SCRI onion project
Manage and direct all administrative functions for the 4-year USDA NIFA SCRI onion project
Serve as the point of contact and liaison for other university offices, colleges, and other agencies involved in subcontracts with Texas A&M University System
Coordinate and facilitate quarterly meetings with the USDA NIFA SCRI onion project team
Coordinate one in-person meeting per year with team, Stakeholder Advisory Panel (SAP) and Stakeholders at a conference such as the National Onion Association or National Allium Research Conference meetings
Provide administrative support for all grant project faculty, staff and administrators involved in the USDA NIFA SCRI onion project
Assemble project plans and teamwork assignments in collaboration with PD and co-PIs on the SCRI project to monitor work efforts, identify resource needs, assess work quality, and troubleshoot issues accordingly
Monitor and report progress as appropriate
Develop workflows and models to standardize and improve outputs, e.g., workflow diagrams, policies and procedures, timelines, and reporting
Create, track, and manage timelines and related tasks to ensure effective implementation of the SCRI project goals and objectives
Assist PI and co-PIs to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget
Plan and manage research trials for the TDA-SCBG onion and watermelon projects, and the Texas A&M AgriLife onion projects
Conduct whole genome structural and functional analysis in vegetable crops
Manage marker-assisted selection in vegetable crops and collect plant samples from the field, greenhouse, and nethouse which requires a driver’s license to drive a state vehicle to the field.
Harvest onion bulbs and watermelon fruits in the field, greenhouse, and nethouse which requires the ability to exert heavy force and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Select onion bulbs and watermelon fruits for crossing and/or advance generation
Design crossing block
Plant onion bulbs/watermelon seeds for crossing block
Develop breeding populations
Collect multi-location field, greenhouse, and nethouse data and maintain database which requires a driver’s license to drive vehicles for possible overnight stays.
Analyze multi-environment trial data using relevant statistical software
Attract and assist in grants and contracts to support the Vegetable Breeding program in Uvalde
Publish work in peer-reviewed journals
Travel to and attend work related meetings and present research findings at various meetings outside of Uvalde which requires a driver’s license to drive a state vehicle or rental car.
Mentor graduate students in research and training
Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Entomology or Agronomy
Ability to work individually and by interacting with internal and external teams
Understanding of the genetics and breeding principles of open-pollinated vegetable crops
Proficiency in whole genome structural and functional analysis
Understanding of lipid profiling and seed physiology
Proficiency in biochemical assays for abiotic and biotic tolerance
Proficiency in data management and the use of office software such as spreadsheets, and word processing
Strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, and report-writing skills
Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships at the center, within the agency, the university, outside universities, and other organizations and stakeholders involved in the USDA NIFA SCRI onion project
Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others
Two years of related professional experience in plant breeding and supervisory experience
Ability to work flexible hours when needed, especially during the field season and peak workload periods
Requires travel to various work locations

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Vacation
Teacher Retirement System of Texas
Employee Wellness Initiative

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.