Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for conducting research on plant-microbe interactions, with an emphasis on extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication. The research will investigate how biotic and abiotic signals regulate plant EV biogenesis, secretion, cargo selection, and biological functions. The position requires experience in plant biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field, as well as the ability to conduct independent and collaborative research. The successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary projects aimed at understanding EV functions in plant health, stress responses, and disease resistance.

Requirements

• PhD in related field.
• Research experience in plant molecular biology, plant pathology, microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, or a closely related area.
• Experience designing and conducting experiments, using molecular and biochemical techniques, analyzing data, and communicating research findings.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Responsibilities

• Conducts independent and collaborative research on plant–microbe interactions, with an emphasis on extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication.
• Designs and performs experiments to determine how microbial and abiotic signals regulate plant EV biogenesis, secretion, cargo loading, and biological functions.
• Uses genetic, molecular, biochemical, microbiological, and imaging approaches to study plant–pathogen and plant–microbiome interactions.
• Isolates and characterizes EVs and investigates their RNA, protein, and other molecular cargo.
• Analyzes research data, interprets results, and maintains accurate experimental records.
• Writes and contributes to research papers, reports, and grant proposals.
• Develops and improves experimental protocols and assists with coordinating collaborative research projects.
• Maintains research materials and equipment and supports laboratory organization, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and external research partners.
• Assists with training and mentoring graduate and undergraduate student researchers involved in related projects.
• Prepares and presents research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and other professional events.
• Contributes to required technical progress reports for research sponsors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

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