Research Associate - Molecular Biology

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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

The position is with Texas A&M AgriLife Research in the Department of Animal Science in College Station, Texas. It is funded through grants or contracts, so continued employment depends on ongoing funding and satisfactory performance. Training on the laboratory’s instruments, workflows, and data-management practices will be provided.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a life science, chemistry, or 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, while maintaining consistent records and sample chain of custody.
• Clear written communication, including detailed laboratory records and technical summaries.

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.
• Select and apply established protocols for nucleic acid extraction, sequencing library preparation, and targeted assays such as quantitative PCR across environmental, animal, and food samples; assist with protocol optimization for new sample types.
• Prepare next-generation sequencing libraries and conduct runs on laboratory platforms, including nanopore instruments; troubleshoot routine run problems.
• Perform quality-control checks on input material and finished libraries, maintain detailed QC records, and report out-of-specification results to the principal investigator.
• Compile and analyze sequencing-run metrics and assay data; perform initial processing, including 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 laboratory 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, conduct 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, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance; AgriLife contributes to premiums.
• 12–15 annual paid holidays.
• Up to 8 hours per month of sick leave and 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.

What This Job Offers

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