Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate, under general supervision, conducts research in aquatic animal nutrition and health, focusing on improving feed formulations, evaluating the impact of dietary treatments on fish health, and supporting sustainable aquaculture production systems. The position is based at the Aquaculture Research and Teaching Facility, approximately a 10-minute drive from the main campus. The selected candidate contributes to scientific publications, research proposals, and the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.

This grant- or contract-funded position designs and conducts nutritional studies, evaluates alternative feed ingredients and functional feed additives, and investigates effects on growth performance and intestinal health. Continued employment depends on ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance. The work may involve laboratory, aquaculture facility, and outdoor research environments, variable heat and humidity, and exposure to water. Occasional travel and work beyond normal business hours or on weekends may be necessary.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Aquaculture, Animal Nutrition, Fisheries Science, Animal Science, Biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of experimental design, scientific research methods, and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of aquatic animal nutrition, physiology, or health.
• Experience conducting laboratory or animal-based research.
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific data.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, technical reports, or other research documents.
• Proficiency in commonly used computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical software.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with multidisciplinary research teams.
• Ability to manage multiple research activities and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work beyond normal business hours and on weekends when necessary for feeding trials, experimental animal care, or sample collection.
• Ability to work in laboratory, aquaculture facility, and outdoor research environments, including variable heat and humidity and exposure to water.
• Ability to perform moderate lifting (21–50 lbs.), with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to follow institutional animal care, laboratory safety, and biosafety procedures.
• Ability to travel occasionally to research facilities, collaborator institutions, scientific conferences, or field locations.
• Valid driver’s license is listed as a preferred qualification.
• Non-immigrant foreign nationals are prohibited by export control laws from performing the position’s employment responsibilities; sponsorship is not available. The posting also states that H-1B sponsorship may be affected by stated fee and moratorium conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Research emphasis in aquatic animal nutrition, fish physiology, aquatic animal health, or a closely related field.
• Experience designing and conducting feeding trials with fish or other aquatic organisms.
• Experience in aquaculture feed formulation, feed ingredient evaluation, nutrient digestibility, or feed additive research.
• Experience performing laboratory analyses related to digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, or immune responses.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, gene expression analysis, or intestinal microbiome characterization.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis using R, SAS, or comparable software.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Experience preparing research proposals and collaborating on externally funded research projects.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students.
• Familiarity with the culture and nutritional requirements of commercially important aquaculture species, including catfish, red drum, hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, tilapia, or shrimp.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement research projects in aquatic animal nutrition, feed formulation, feeding strategies, and fish health.
• Design controlled experiments evaluating nutrient utilization, alternative feed ingredients, functional feed additives, production performance, and physiological responses.
• Conduct literature reviews, formulate research hypotheses, and develop experimental protocols.
• Conduct feeding trials and research studies with fish and other aquatic organisms under controlled laboratory and production conditions.
• Prepare experimental diets, manage feeding trials, and collect biological samples for nutritional, physiological, and health assessments.
• Perform laboratory analyses related to proximate composition, digestive physiology, intestinal health, and immune responses.
• Monitor experimental conditions, ensure accurate data collection, and comply with institutional research and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with the principal investigator and other researchers to establish research protocols.
• Organize, process, and analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical methods; interpret feeding-trial and tissue-response results.
• Prepare figures, tables, technical summaries, manuscripts, conference presentations, technical reports, and research summaries.
• Assist with research proposals, grant application materials, technical progress reports, and project development.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and research partners to identify opportunities and disseminate findings.
• Provide technical guidance and training to undergraduate and graduate students in experimental procedures, sample collection, laboratory techniques, and data analysis.
• Coordinate research activities with laboratory personnel and collaborators; promote laboratory safety, research integrity, and responsible conduct of research.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• Dental insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• Vision insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• Life insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• Long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• 12–15 annual paid holidays
• Up to 8 hours per month of sick leave
• At least 8 hours per month of vacation
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative
• Ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs

What This Job Offers

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