Postdoctoral Research Associate

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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 will utilize the skills and expertise granted to them through their education and experience to complete independent research projects in their field of expertise utilizing the high-resolution microscopy techniques available through the Image Analysis Laboratory. Under general supervision and guidance, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will undertake a dual role that will involve both independent cell biology research on the impacts of nanoplastics and provide essential technical support for the Image Analysis Laboratory focusing on sample preparation and imaging by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The Postdoctoral Research Associate will perform routine tissue processing, resin embedding, ultramicrotomy, and heavy metal staining to produce high-quality ultrathin sections and high-resolution transmission electron micrographs. This role is responsible for the meticulous organization and cataloging of specimens and data, while assisting in the daily operation and maintenance of the ultramicrotome and TEM.

What you need to know

• Salary: Commensurate

• Schedule/Location: College Station, TX | Full-Time, Monday-Friday | Onsite

• 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

• Appropriate Terminal Degree (PhD, DVM, MD, DDS, etc.) in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cell biology, histology, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, and/or other related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to complete cutting-edge research projects through a record of publications
• Previous experience working in a research or core laboratory environment.
• Experience involving any form of microscopy (TEM, SEM, Optical, etc).
• Experience with basic tissue processing, embedding, or microtomy.
• Experience using spreadsheets or databases.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to perform delicate, repetitive tasks with high precision.
• Ability to apply logic to troubleshoot a problem
• Knowledge of image analysis software such as ImageJ (Fiji), Adobe Photoshop, or proprietary microscopy acquisition software.
• Ability to maintain rigorous labeling and cataloging standards.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and protocols for handling hazardous reagents.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a collaborative team environment.

Essential Duties/Task

Research

• Conduct cell biology research on the impacts of nanoplastics.
• Utilize knowledge and skills granted by education and experience in their field of expertise to complete research projects.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of the worksite.
• Analyze research data and summarize results.
• Publish research findings and write grant proposals.

Service

• Assist with tissue processing for TEM.
• Develop proficiency with the ultramicrotome and cut ultra-thin tissue sections.
• Develop proficiency with the transmission electron microscope.
• TEM imaging and data acquisition.
• Maintain tracking systems for samples and ensure project documentation is organized and archived.

Mentoring

• May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project.

Presentations

• Prepares presentation materials on research topic that may be presented to small and/or large groups.
• Actively participates in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors.

Additional Information

Machines or equipment used in the performance of essential duties

Transmission Electron Microscope, digital cameras, ultramicrotomes, resin curing ovens, hot plates, precision balances, pH meters, fume hoods, centrifuges, light microscopes, computer terminals.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in low-light environments.
• Ability to lift, reach or move up to 25 pounds.
• Exceptional manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling small samples and grids with high-precision tweezers.
• Ability to sit for extended periods
• Ability to see minute details through microscope oculars and on high-resolution monitors.

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 may require travel.

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.