Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M Agrilife Research • Dallas, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This Postdoctoral Research Associate, Pasture Mealybug Biological Control and Molecular Ecology, will focus on identifying key natural enemies of pasture mealybug through a statewide molecular gut-content analysis survey; conduct field sampling across Texas and perform molecular analyses. 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.

Requirements

• Appropriate doctoral degree
• Demonstrated experience in biological control and integrated pest management
• Experience with molecular techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, primer design, PCR, and molecular diagnostics
• Knowledge of entomopathogenic fungi and microbial insecticides and different delivery mechanisms
• Knowledge of molecular trophic interaction analysis
• Knowledge of genomics, bioinformatics, or next-generation sequencing approaches
• Knowledge of grant writing and proposal development
• Knowledge of controlled-environment agriculture systems
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Conducting molecular gut-content analyses to identify important mealybug predators
• Designing and implementing statewide field surveys
• Conducting insecticide compatibility studies with major mealybug natural enemies
• Developing IPM recommendations for pasture mealybug management
• Analyzing data and preparing manuscripts, reports, and presentations
• Participating in extension and outreach activities and collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams
• Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife 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
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree