Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

20h

About The Position

The Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program seeks a highly qualified, motivated applicant with experience in bioinformatics, biocomputing, statistical genetics, and the genomics of polyploid plant species. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting independent research and coordinating projects to implement genomics-guided breeding in potatoes with the goal of developing new potato cultivars.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in relevant field (Horticultural Sciences, Plant Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, or closely related field).
• Experience in R programming and software for genetic analysis of polyploid plant species, and ability to work with databases and to handle large data sets.
• Experience in phylogenetic analysis, marker trait association studies and genomic selection in polyploids.
• Ability to effectively utilize computational systems and applicable software, including breeding databases, perform statistical analysis, present data, and perform other computer-related tasks.
• Experience in DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequencing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Good disposition to travel and to accommodate a flexible work schedule.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with genotyping platforms, genotype calling, linkage mapping, and QTL analysis software and pipelines for polyploid plant species.
• Experience in field experimental designs and layouts, agronomic and quality evaluations, and selections.
• Tissue culture and micropropagation hands-on experience.
• Greenhouse experience (planting, irrigation, disease/pest management, pollination, production of minitubers and seedling tuber families, and harvest).
• Familiarity with laboratory and field equipment (operation, maintenance).

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in areas of interest to the Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program, including investigations on heat stress tolerance, expanding the tuber dormancy period, marker-assisted and genomic selection for important traits, as well as starch modifications.
• Supervise personnel and coordinate program activities across locations and research areas.
• Design, plan, conduct, and coordinate experiments in support of various research projects.
• Keep detailed records of research objectives and procedures.
• Collect data, curate data (phenotypic and genotypic), analyze, interpret, and summarize results.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals for extramural funding and associated reports.
• Assist in the preparation of plant variety protection documents, scientific and clientele-oriented manuscripts, and reports.
• Supervise and train field/lab personnel, including graduate and undergraduate students.
• Perform other job-related duties as required.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

What This Job Offers

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