Research Associate - Molecular Biology

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate works under general supervision to design, plan, conduct, and coordinate molecular biology experiments for laboratory research projects, from field sample intake through nucleic acid extraction, sequencing, quality control, and data delivery. The role applies established laboratory protocols, maintains detailed data and quality-control records, trains and supervises undergraduate and graduate students, and summarizes results for manuscripts, reports, and funding proposals.

The position works with environmental, animal, and food samples and uses methods including nucleic acid extraction, sequencing library preparation, quantitative PCR, and next-generation sequencing. It also supports field and farm sample collection, sample inventory and data management, instrument operation and maintenance, and coordination with researchers, collaborators, and the lab manager. Training on the laboratory’s instruments, workflows, and data-management practices will be provided.

The position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment depends on ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science, chemistry, or a related field.
• Two years of related professional experience in molecular biology, molecular diagnostics, or a closely related field.
• Bench experience with nucleic acid extraction, quantitative PCR or next-generation sequencing library preparation, and nucleic-acid quality control.
• Familiarity with standard molecular biology laboratory equipment and ability to follow and apply established protocols.
• Ability to use computers and applicable software to manage data, perform statistical analyses, and present results.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work cooperatively with laboratory staff, students, and collaborators, with consistent record keeping and sample chain of custody.
• Clear written communication, including detailed laboratory records and technical summaries.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience operating nanopore sequencing instruments or short-read sequencing platforms.
• Experience running quantitative PCR or digital PCR assays.
• Experience processing environmental, animal, or food samples, including low-biomass samples and samples with high inhibitor loads.
• Familiarity with command-line tools for basecalling, demultiplexing, and read-quality assessment.
• Experience with automated liquid-handling systems.
• Experience working under biosafety level 2 conditions.
• Contributions to peer-reviewed publications or funding proposals.
• Experience training or mentoring students in laboratory methods.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, conduct, and coordinate molecular biology experiments, including sample processing and sequencing runs.
• Evaluate, select, and apply established protocols for nucleic acid extraction, sequencing library preparation, and targeted molecular assays, including quantitative PCR, across environmental, animal, and food sample types; assist with protocol optimization for new sample types.
• Prepare next-generation sequencing libraries, conduct sequencing runs on laboratory platforms including nanopore instruments, and troubleshoot routine run problems.
• Perform quality-control checks on input materials and finished libraries against established acceptance criteria; record QC data and report out-of-specification results to the principal investigator.
• Compile and analyze sequencing run metrics and assay data; perform initial processing such as basecalling, demultiplexing, and read-quality assessment; prepare data packages for bioinformatics staff.
• Participate in field and farm sample collection, including cold-chain handling, chain-of-custody documentation, and sample-metadata recording.
• Maintain sample inventories and detailed data records in accordance with the laboratory’s data-management policy.
• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in molecular methods, instrument operation, and quality control; contribute to written standard operating procedures.
• Install, operate, and maintain sequencing and quality-control instruments, perform routine performance checks, and report service needs to the lab manager.
• Summarize results and prepare methods descriptions and figures for manuscripts and project reports; assist with funding proposals.
• Coordinate experiment timelines, reagent and consumable needs, and results reporting with postdoctoral researchers, collaborators, and the lab manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance; AgriLife contributes to premiums.
• Dental insurance; AgriLife contributes to premiums.
• Vision insurance; AgriLife contributes to premiums.
• Life insurance; AgriLife contributes to premiums.
• Long-term disability insurance; AgriLife contributes 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.
• Ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level