Research Associate

Texas A&M University System•College Station, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) is an institution that represents 100 years of growth from a small school of veterinary medicine in 1916 to its present role as a major veterinary educational, medical, and research center. Today, we are one of the largest schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, training nearly 600 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students each year. We support collaboration and teamwork that turns today's discoveries into proactive solutions for animals, humans, and the environment. Together, we strive to support the goals of the faculty, staff and students in teaching, research and outreach programs. The Electron Microscopy Research Associate provides technical support for the Image Analysis Laboratory (IAL), with a focus on sample preparation and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging. Under guidance from senior staff, the associate performs routine tissue processing, resin embedding, ultramicrotomy, and heavy metal staining to produce high-quality ultrathin sections and electron micrographs. Responsibilities include organizing and cataloging specimens and data, and assisting with daily operation and maintenance of the ultramicrotome and TEM. As proficiency increases, the associate will assume greater responsibility in independent imaging, experimental support, and training members of the research community in support of the IAL’s imaging mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, material sciences, earth sciences, engineering or other scientific field.
Two years of research, laboratory, or related experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in cell biology or histology.
Previous experience working in a research or core laboratory environment.
Experience involving any form of microscopy (Light, Confocal, SEM, or TEM).
Experience with basic tissue processing, embedding, or microtomy (even for light microscopy/paraffin sections).
Prior completion of institutional Biosafety or Hazardous Waste Handling training.

Responsibilities

Under supervision, develop proficiency with ultramicrotomes to produce semi-thin and ultrathin tissue sections; collect sections on TEM grids with high precision; heavy metal staining of sections with minimal artifacts.
Perform routine microscope startups
Learn basic column alignment and digital camera software; TEM data acquisition; perform basic image processing.
Execute standard protocols for fixation, dehydration, staining and resin infiltration.
Maintain a tracking system for all samples.
Maintain resin block and grid libraries; organize micrographs in a database; transfer data to users.
Provide technical demonstrations to students or junior staff.
Ensure all project documentation is organized and archived.
Trains undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical or field staff involved in research

Benefits

Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.
Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.
Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M 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
Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees