Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Research Associate to work on projects related to screwworm biology, especially as it relates to Sterile Insect Technique. Coordinate with research colleagues in the Department of Entomology (Dr. Keyan Zhu Salzman, Dr. Jeffery Tomberlin, others) on a project conducted by a team of researchers evaluating alternative radiation sources for the implementation of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to control screwworm flies and other control strategies. Coordinate activities with Dr. Suresh Pillai and his team at the National Center for Electron Beam Research at Texas A&M University, and other colleagues at Texas A&M University and the USDA.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Two years of related professional experience in insect rearing in a lab setting, particularly blow fly rearing.

Nice To Haves

• Master's in Entomology, Biology or equivalent.
• Experience with life history trait analyses.
• Experience with experimental design and statistical analysis with biological systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, conduct, and coordinate experiments in support of screwworm SIT project(s)
• Conduct biological assays associated with e-Beam, X-ray, and gamma radiation-treated blow flies.
• Rearing/maintenance of blow fly colonies
• Evaluate, select, and apply standard techniques of routine research; keep detailed records of data.
• Use computers and laboratory or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results
• Summarize results for scientific and clientele-oriented publications.
• Install, operate, and/or repair research equipment
• Assist in basic lab management and insect care, as necessary.
• Other duties as required.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife 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
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

What This Job Offers

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