Research Assistant

Texas A&M - Kingsville•Kingsville, TX

19d•Onsite

About The Position

Perform independent or supervisory roles in research activities that require an advanced level of knowledge in entomology, pest management, horticulture, statistics, and experimental design. These roles are predominantly intellectual and varied in nature, necessitating consistent use of discretion and judgment. Performs skilled, administrative, and managerial support in research. Plans and directs certain phases in a research project. This is a grant funded position for 12-months and continuation of the position beyond 12-months is contingent upon continuation of funding. This position is located at Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center in Weslaco, Texas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, biology, ecology, entomology, horticulture, pest management, plant science or an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Texas driver’s license
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
Ability to positively and professionally interact with growers, students, staff and faculty.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
Ability to orally comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Working knowledge of microscopes.
Ability to work in greenhouses or outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat
Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving
Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.
Ability to use microscopes for extended periods
This position is security sensitive
This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures
All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements
This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends
This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance

Nice To Haves

Three years of related experience.
Prior lab and field experience in research projects related to agricultural sciences, entomology, horticulture, pest management, or plant sciences.
Knowledge of laboratory maintenance and equipment.
Ability to effectively use a computer and applicable software to create databases, present data, and perform other computer-related tasks.
Master’s degree in entomology or pest management from an accredited college or university.
Experience in scouting, identification and / or management of citrus pests or diseases.
Experience in greenhouse crop production or citrus management practices.
Experience in PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction, and other molecular biology techniques.
Experience in setup and maintenance of drip or sprinkler irrigation systems.
Pesticide applicator license.

Responsibilities

Assists in the design, planning, coordinating, and execution of experiments or trials in support of various research projects in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
Collects samples and measurement data for laboratory or greenhouse experiments and field trials.
Records, compiles, and maintains data sets and observations for experiments or trials.
Assists undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical, or field staff involved in research.
Uses computers and laboratory or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results.
Evaluates, summarizes, and records results of technical evaluations, data, or statistical analyses.
Summarizes project results/findings in progress reports.
Assists in preparing and writing reports or proposals to funding agencies.
Assists in preparing outreach/grower articles or scientific manuscripts for journals.
Assists in preparing oral or poster presentations for scientific or grower meetings.
Prepares and gives oral presentations on research-related topics to Citrus Center visitors.
Assembles, installs, operates, maintains, and repairs research equipment.
Purchases equipment or supplies required for research projects.
Maintains records and invoices of purchases related to research projects.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage
Dental & Vision
Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
On-Campus Wellness Opportunities: TAMUK’s Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.
Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
Tuition Benefits: Employee Tuition Assistance Program
Book scholarships
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position
Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
Employee Leave: 8+ hours of vacation per month
8 hours of sick leave per month
8 hours of paid Birthday leave
12-15 paid holidays per year