Research Associate
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
Summary
Design, plan, conduct, and coordinate experiments supporting research on gene drive performance, DNA repair pathway usage, chromosomal position effects, and transgene removal in Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti. Assist with development, testing, and validation of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents, guide RNAs, donor constructs, transgenic lines, and related genome engineering tools. Perform genetic crosses, progeny screening, insect colony maintenance, fluorescence-based phenotyping, molecular assays, and routine troubleshooting of experimental protocols.
Job description
Job Responsibilities
Research and Experimental Support
Design, plan, conduct, and coordinate experiments supporting research on gene drive performance, DNA repair pathway usage, chromosomal position effects, and transgene removal in Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti. Assist with development, testing, and validation of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents, guide RNAs, donor constructs, transgenic lines, and related genome engineering tools. Perform genetic crosses, progeny screening, insect colony maintenance, fluorescence-based phenotyping, molecular assays, and routine troubleshooting of experimental protocols.
Molecular Analysis, Data Evaluation, and Research Equipment Operation
Use laboratory and technical equipment to perform PCR, genotyping, sequencing preparation, gel electrophoresis, fluorescence screening, HRMA or related genotyping assays, and other molecular biology procedures. Analyze and summarize experimental outcomes, including inheritance patterns, homing rates, indel formation, transgene excision, DNA repair events, and resistance allele formation. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and ensure accurate documentation of equipment use, experimental data, and research results.
Research Publications, Proposals, and Reporting
Compile and summarize data for scientific manuscripts, progress reports, presentations, funding proposals, and other research documents. Assist with preparation of figures, tables, methods summaries, and written descriptions of experimental results. Contribute to proposal development and project documentation related to gene drive efficacy, DNA repair, mosquito transgenesis, and gene drive mitigation strategies.
Training and Laboratory Coordination
Train undergraduate students, graduate students, technicians, and other laboratory personnel in research procedures, insect handling, molecular biology techniques, data recording, equipment operation, and biosafety practices. Assist with coordinating day-to-day laboratory workflows, maintaining insect stocks and research materials, and ensuring that research activities are performed according to established protocols.
Compliance, Safety, and Laboratory Operations
Support compliance with institutional biosafety, genetically modified organism, and arthropod containment requirements. Maintain organized laboratory records, inventories, protocols, and research materials. Assist with routine lab organization, ordering, and preparation of supplies needed for ongoing experiments.
Performs Other Duties as Assigned
Perform other duties as needed to support the research program, including weekend or after-hours work for insect colony maintenance, experimental time points, blood feeding schedules, data collection, or other project needs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, bioengineering, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Two years of related experience in a specialized and relevant field of research.
- Knowledge of standard laboratory research methods in molecular biology, genetics, or a related field.
- Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and technical equipment used in molecular biology, genetics, and insect research.
- Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software for data analysis, recordkeeping, literature review, and scientific communication.
- Ability to follow research protocols, maintain detailed records, and ensure accuracy in experimental work.
- Ability to organize, evaluate, and summarize research data.
- Ability to exercise discretion and judgment in planning experiments, troubleshooting procedures, and interpreting results.
- Ability to manage multiple research tasks and meet project deadlines.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, students, staff, and collaborators.
- Ability to train others in routine research procedures and laboratory practices.
- Ability to work occasional weekends or after normal business hours as required by experimental schedules or insect colony needs.
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.