Research Assistant
About The Position
The Research Assistant supports laboratory sequencing and biosurveillance work in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M AgriLife Research. The role prepares sequencing libraries, performs quality control for the laboratory’s sequencing platforms, manages samples across concurrent projects, and assists with field and on-farm sample collection. The position also supports nucleic acid extraction and handling, sample tracking and chain of custody, laboratory documentation and data management, inventory, and general laboratory upkeep. The Research Assistant coordinates sequencing schedules with project teams and reports results. Platform-specific training on nanopore instruments and the associated quality-control workflow will be provided. The position is funded through grants or contracts, and continued employment depends on ongoing funding and satisfactory performance.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a life science, chemistry, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Hands-on molecular biology laboratory experience, including nucleic acid extraction and handling.
- Familiarity with next-generation sequencing library preparation or closely related benchwork.
- Careful quality control of input material, consistent record keeping, and attention to detail.
- Ability to organize and track samples across several projects at once.
Nice To Haves
- Direct experience preparing sequencing libraries.
- Nucleic acid quality control experience using fluorescent quantification and automated electrophoresis on a Fragment Analyzer, Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, or comparable instrument.
- Experience with sequencing library kits and automated liquid handling.
Responsibilities
- Support field and on-farm sample collection by preparing sampling kits, labeling samples, maintaining cold chain handling, and transporting samples to the laboratory.
- Record sample collection metadata and assist with field sampling logistics and scheduling.
- Prepare next-generation sequencing libraries from extracted nucleic acids according to established protocols.
- Perform nucleic acid extraction and handling across a range of sample types.
- Conduct quality control on input material and finished libraries, including fluorescent quantification and automated electrophoresis.
- Operate and maintain laboratory sequencing platforms, including nanopore instruments, and perform associated quality-control workflows.
- Organize, label, and track samples across multiple concurrent projects, maintaining accurate records and sample chain of custody.
- Maintain consistent documentation and contribute to laboratory data management practices.
- Support reagent and consumable inventory and general laboratory upkeep.
- Coordinate sequencing-run schedules with project teams and report results.
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.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
