Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct independent and collaborative research within the laboratory’s broader research program. The scholar will develop research questions; design, conduct, and interpret studies; develop or adapt experimental and/or computational approaches; and communicate findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.

The laboratory investigates how structural variation and complex regions of the human genome influence genome function, neurodevelopment, and disease. Research may integrate genomics, long-read sequencing, computational analysis, molecular and cellular biology, genome engineering, and stem-cell-derived models. Specific research directions will be developed based on the scholar’s expertise and interests, in alignment with the laboratory’s research program and funded project objectives.

The position requires critical evaluation of scientific literature, analysis and interpretation of findings, troubleshooting, and effective interdisciplinary collaboration. The scholar is expected to demonstrate strong scientific writing, oral communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills and to follow institutional research, safety, and compliance requirements. The role also includes mentoring and training students and other laboratory personnel as appropriate, professional development, and other related duties as assigned. The position is grant- or contract-funded; continued employment depends on ongoing funding and satisfactory performance. It is not eligible for remote work.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Genomics, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Computational Biology, Neuroscience, or a closely related field. Candidates who have completed all doctoral degree requirements but await formal conferral may be considered under institutional policy.
• Knowledge of fundamental principles and research methods in a relevant field, including genomics, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computational biology, or neuroscience.
• Ability to design, conduct, analyze, and interpret scientific research with increasing independence.
• Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and apply relevant findings to research questions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning skills.
• Strong written and oral scientific communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate, organized research records and follow applicable institutional research, safety, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or nonstandard hours when necessary for research activities, coordinated in advance with the Supervisor.

Nice To Haves

• Record of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications, preprints, conference presentations, software, datasets, or other research outputs.
• Experience developing, optimizing, or adapting experimental, computational, or analytical methodologies to address new scientific questions.
• Experience preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and presenting research at scientific conferences or seminars.
• Experience mentoring or training undergraduate students, graduate students, research staff, or other junior researchers.
• Research experience relevant to the laboratory’s program, such as genomics, structural variation, long-read sequencing, computational biology, molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, or neurodevelopment.
• Experience with experimental and/or computational approaches relevant to genomics, structural variation, molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, or neurodevelopment.
• Experience analyzing genomic, molecular, cellular, or other complex biological datasets.
• Familiarity with rigorous and reproducible research principles and appropriate research data management.

Responsibilities

• Develop research questions and design, plan, and conduct studies aligned with the laboratory’s research program and funded project objectives.
• Develop and apply experimental and/or computational approaches; evaluate progress; troubleshoot challenges; and modify research strategies and procedures as appropriate.
• Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret research data using appropriate scientific, statistical, computational, and/or laboratory approaches.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and reproducible research records and assess findings in relation to project objectives and scientific literature.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and take a leading role in disseminating work on projects for which the scholar has primary responsibility.
• Prepare abstracts, presentations, research reports, and other scholarly materials, and present findings at conferences, seminars, and other academic forums.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator, faculty, staff, students, and external research partners; participate in research meetings; coordinate collaborative activities; and contribute to planning, grant development, and reporting as appropriate.
• Provide research guidance, technical training, and mentorship to students and other laboratory personnel as appropriate.
• Promote rigorous research practices, accurate documentation, appropriate safety procedures, and a collaborative research environment.
• Maintain current knowledge through literature, seminars, conferences, training, and independent study; participate in professional development activities; and perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Dental insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Vision insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Life insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Long-term disability insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• 12–15 annual paid holidays.
• Up to 8 hours per month of sick leave and at least 8 hours per month of 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