Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will be responsible for research investigations of ticks and other pests affecting the health and wellbeing of livestock in Texas. This will include the design and execution of experimental protocols for laboratory studies, and field settings involving cattle. Activities will include data collection, analysis, interpretation, reports and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals and presentation to professional meetings.

Requirements

• PhD in Entomology with curriculum focus in Livestock Entomology.
• Knowledge of tick taxonomy, biology and ecology.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in conducting tick surveillance for ticks effecting cattle.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in conducting field trials of anti-tick products on cattle.

Responsibilities

• Tick colony maintenance - including the in vivo and in vitro blood feeding of Ixodid and Argasid tick species in laboratory colonies, with data collection and record keeping associated with colony history.
• Preparation and microscopic examination of tick specimens for morphological analysis, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation and preparation of findings for meetings and journal publication.
• Production of adult soft ticks to evaluate reproduction cycles in response to starvation intervals and ticks for transovarial studies with collaborators.
• Design, execution and analysis of field studies evaluating applications of acaricide impregnated ear tags for control of ticks and new world screwworm in cattle.
• Engagement with project team members and collaborators on discussions, planning, and manuscript development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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