Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M • Kingsville, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK), a member of the Texas A&M University System, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Wildlife Genomics. This new position is offered by Dr. Lisanne Petracca, Assistant Professor of Carnivore Ecology, and will join the Spatial and Population Ecology of Carnivores (SPEC) Lab at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. The SPEC Lab focuses on population parameter estimation, movement ecology, and habitat selection of South Texas carnivores, with collaborative work on genomics and disease transmission. This role will specifically utilize genomic data from wild and zoo-based ocelots to identify candidate genes for local adaptation, determine important genetic variants for South Texas ocelot reintroductions, and identify suitable individuals for reintroduction from captive breeding programs based on genetic variation. The candidate will employ 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.

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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees