Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • Kingsville, TX

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Wildlife Genomics to join the Spatial and Population Ecology of Carnivores (SPEC) Lab at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. This new position, offered by Dr. Lisanne Petracca, Assistant Professor of Carnivore Ecology, will focus on using genomic data from wild and zoo-based ocelots. The research aims to identify candidate genes important for local environmental adaptation, determine genetic variants crucial for South Texas ocelot reintroductions, and identify suitable individuals for reintroduction from captive breeding programs based on genetic variation. The candidate will utilize whole genome sequencing (WGS) of contemporary and archival museum samples to associate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other short genomic variants with environmental factors. This knowledge will then be applied to identify extant variation in candidate genomic regions within South Texas ocelots and zoo-sourced breeding stock to guide captive breeding decisions for ocelot reintroduction and recovery. Additional opportunities may include serving as Principal Investigator (PI) on grants, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and contributing to ongoing carnivore fieldwork in South Texas. The cover letter addressing motivations and qualifications will be the most important factor in selecting the finalist pool.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a related field
• Two years of related professional experience.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• This position is security sensitive
• This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Previous research experience with carnivores
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with private landowners and state, federal, and private natural resource organizations

Responsibilities

• Experimental design, data analysis (genomic), and interpretation
• Designs, performs, and analyzes experiments consistent with project objectives.
• Conducts genomic data analysis aligned with project objectives
• Data Management, modeling, and computational work
• Identifies, assimilates, and synthesizes data needed for computer models
• Manages databases and statistical software workflows
• Develops procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy (coding-heavy tasks)
• Manuscripts, presentations, and grant writing
• Prepares data for publication and presentation
• Writes grants and proposals to acquire external funding
• Mentorship and supervision
• Mentor students on data analysis and result preparation
• Professional development and scientific engagement
• Keeps up-to-date on scientific research via reading of literature, etc.
• Attends scientific meetings and seminars for research enhancement
• Laboratory coordination and compliance
• Coordinates lab activities
• Maintains instrumentation and ensures safety standards
• Other Duties as Assigned

Benefits

• Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
• On-Campus Wellness Opportunities: TAMUK’s Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.
• Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
• Tuition Benefits: Employee Tuition Assistance Program Book scholarships
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee Leave: 8+ hours of vacation per month
• 8 hours of sick leave per month
• 8 hours of paid Birthday leave
• 12-15 paid holidays per year

What This Job Offers

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