Postdoctoral Research Associate
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.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in related field.
- Ability to obtain a valid US driver's license.
- Experience applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze large-scale biological, genomic, metabolomic, and phenotypic datasets.
- Knowledge of genomic selection, genomic prediction, GWAS, quantitative genetics, and statistical learning for crop improvement.
- Experience integrating multi-omics datasets (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, phenomics, microbiome) for predictive modeling and biological interpretation.
- Proficiency in Python, R, AI/ML frameworks, and bioinformatics pipelines for high-throughput data analysis and decision support in plant breeding.
- Experience developing AI-enabled decision support tools for breeding climate-resilient, high-quality horticultural crops.
- Familiarity with statistical modeling and computational approaches for bioactive compound analysis.
- Next-generation sequencing, metagenomics, RNA-seq and transcriptomics analysis.
- Multi-omics integration.
- Bioinformatics and data analysis using R and Python.
- AI/ML-assisted biological data analysis.
- Ability to manage laboratory personnel, inventory, and research projects.
- Strong background in preparing safety manuals, analytical methods, and standard operating procedures.
- Experience in disseminating research findings through reports, presentations, and grant proposals.
- Mentorship experience with students and lab members.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and Genomic selection related to climate resilience and secondary metabolites of fruits and vegetables.
Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate lab activities, including scheduling, supply requisition, safety, and compliance (5%).
- Conduct research on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze large-scale biological, genomic, metabolomic, and phenotypic dataset (25%).
- Investigate the genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors influencing bioactive compounds and volatiles in fruits and vegetables (5%).
- Developing AI-enabled decision support tools for breeding climate-resilient, high-quality horticultural crops (5%)
- Maintain laboratory certification through record-keeping and quality assurance and collaborate with research teams, industry partners, and other experts, including participation in the tomato integrated project. Conduct field trials and collect samples across Texas as needed (10%).
- Work with transdisciplinary scientists and analyze large data set (10%)
- Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, as well as visiting scientists (10%).
- Participate in grant writing, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of research through peer-reviewed publications (5%).
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center (25%).
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
