Research Associate

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About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about joining AgriLife!

Position Information

Job Summary:

This position will be an integral member of the turfgrass breeding team (https://dallas.tamu.edu/research/turf/) and will play a critical role in achieving the program's research objectives. The Research Associate, under general supervision, will contribute to the development and genetic characterization of warm- and cool-season turfgrasses with enhanced adaptation, stress tolerance, disease resistance, and turfgrass quality. This position provides an opportunity to work across the continuum from crossing and population development to phenotyping, molecular analysis, sequencing, and genetic interpretation for turfgrass improvement.

Responsibilities:

• 20% -- To develop breeding and biparental populations and genetic diversity panels for molecular and genetic analyses in warm- and cool-season turfgrasses. This work will involve preparing parental materials, making controlled crosses, and producing progeny populations.
• 20% -- The researcher will characterize populations using wet-laboratory molecular approaches and DNA sequencing, including DNA extraction and quantification, PCR, molecular marker analysis, and the preparation and submission of samples for next-generation sequencing.
• 20% -- The researcher will conduct phenotypic evaluation of progeny populations for important traits like drought tolerance and salinity tolerance, under field and controlled-environment conditions.
• 20% -- The researcher will publish in peer-reviewed journals, present research at scientific meetings as needed, develop progress reports to sponsors, collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.1
• 15% -- The position will integrate phenotypic and molecular data to investigate genetic variation and identify genomic regions associated with important turfgrass traits. In collaboration with the plant genomics program https://dallas.tamu.edu/plant-genomics/. Researcher will develop molecular markers, linkage and QTL analysis, genetic mapping and application of genomic information to turfgrass breeding.
• 5% -- Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field
• 2 years of related experience in plant breeding, genetics, or molecular biology; OR a master's degree or higher in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Experience with performing controlled crosses for progeny population development, phenotyping for biotic or abiotic traits, DNA & RNA extraction and PCR, preparing samples for next-generation sequencing.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to keep detailed and timely records and data.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with advanced phenotyping technologies (drones and other phenotyping platforms), molecular marker analysis, QTL/GWAS analysis, bioinformatics.

Other Requirements:

• Travels to various field site locations.
• Ability to lift or move light, moderate, or heavy objects.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation is commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications.

Position Funding:

• This is funded through grants or contracts. Funding for this position is anticipated through September 30, 2029.
• Employment is contingent upon the continued availability of funding and satisfactory job performance.

Flexible Work Arrangements:

This position is not eligible for remote work.

Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship:

Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will know or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Benefits and Leave:

Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)

12-15 annual paid holidays

Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation

Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

Employee Wellness Initiative

Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs

How to Apply

Applications must include all job application data or a complete resume. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applicants are encouraged to upload a resume or use LinkedIn to prepopulate application fields.

Required Documents:

• CV / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References
• Certifications / Additional Documentation (if applicable)

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.