Postdoctoral Research Associate-1

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Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who we are

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) is an institution that represents 100 years of growth from a small school of veterinary medicine in 1916 to its present role as a major veterinary educational, medical, and research center. Today, we are one of the largest schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, training nearly 600 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students each year. We support collaboration and teamwork that turns today's discoveries into proactive solutions for animals, humans, and the environment. Together, we strive to support the goals of the faculty, staff and students in teaching, research and outreach programs.

What we want

The Postdoctoral Research Associate, under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will utilize the skills and expertise granted to them by their education and experience to complete research projects in their field of expertise. Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications. Assists with the preparation and cleaning of worksite. May collaborate with other researchers and/or faculty.

What you need to know

• Salary: Commensurate
• Schedule/Location: Full-time | College station, TX
• Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• PhD in Biomedical or Veterinary Sciences, Parasitology, Molecular Biology, Entomology or related field.
• None.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise with the following lab techniques: classical diagnostic parasitology techniques, microscopy, parasite culture, in vitro assays, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, RTPCR, qPCR, qRT-PCR, digital PCR, and ELISA.
• Experience with digital PCR, multiplex assay design, or nanopore based detection.
• Experience working with laboratory animals, statistical methods, and bioinformatics.
• Experience working with maintenance of parasite life cycle.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications in the field of parasitology.
• Strong background in classical and molecular parasitology diagnostic techniques.
• Strong background in molecular biology and bioinformatics.
• Experience in animal handling and sample collection.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, ability to work independently, demonstrated creativity and high motivation.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Be an engaged and active community member of the lab by participating as a respectful team player of the lab group.

Responsibilities

Project Development

• Assists project leader with the development and implementation of research projects involving classical and molecular parasitology.
• Design, optimize, and validate nucleic acid-based assays for parasite detection, taking each assay from design through validation.
• Design and test primers and probes, including multiplex panels, and optimize assays for sensitivity and specificity.
• Maintain careful records and contribute to laboratory data management and validation documentation.
• Potential field work and international travel.
• Managing data pipelines, ensuring data integrity, and leading quantitative analyses.
• Producing peer-reviewed manuscripts, quarterly technical reports, and presentations for annual scientific and sponsor-required monthly meetings.

Laboratory Testing

• Performs routine laboratory tests including DNA and RNA extraction, parasite culture, routine PCR and real time PCR, and ELISA.
• Analyzes, synthesizes and interprets results.
• Optimizes and implements novel diagnostic tests.
• Occasionally assists with diagnostic parasitology service.

Procedures

• Training personnel (graduate student, undergraduate and DVM students, and part-time workers) providing leadership and quality control for all data collection, data organization, and project execution to publication.

Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

Machines or equipment used in the performance of essential duties

• Computer
• Thermocycler
• DNA/RNA extraction robot
• Microscopes
• Centrifuges
• Incubator
• Telephone
• Calculator

Physical Requirements

• Requires occasional lifting of materials, protracted standing or sitting in one position, occasional kneeling.
• Handling biological samples: parasite specimens, feces, blood, serum.

Other Requirements and Factors

• This position is security sensitive.
• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures.
• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements.
• This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.
• This position may direct and/or evaluate the work of others.
• This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M 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
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University 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 pre-populate the online application.

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.