Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • McGregor, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

About Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service. Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world! Position Information The Research Associate performs independent or supervisory roles in research activities requiring an advanced level of knowledge in a field of science or learning, are predominantly intellectual and varied in character, and require consistent use of discretion and judgment. Prepare proposals for funding agencies, operation and maintenance of research equipment, supervision of graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research, communication, problem solving skills, and management are critical to the success of this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Minimum of two years of related professional experience.
• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.
• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases and perform other computer related task.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Perform independent or supervisory roles in research activities requiring an advanced level of knowledge in a field of science or learning, are predominantly intellectual and varied in character, and require consistent use of discretion and judgment.
• Prepare proposals for funding agencies, operation of research equipment, supervision of graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Supervise experiments in support of various research projects conducted at the McGregor Research Center: this includes sourcing animals, scheduling facility use, communicating and coordinating research schedules for labor, data collection, and equipment use.
• Evaluate, select, and apply standard techniques of research; to include routine data collection for research and herd management. Collect, transfer, and summarize detailed records of data. Knowledge of program guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations: including AgriLife Animal Care & Use Committee and A&M Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee.
• Assist with research needs from research PI’s or graduate students during projects: this may include but not limited to data collection, feed management, animal management, adjustments to facilities, pasture design, schedules, or research protocols.
• Assist in operation and maintenance of equipment and technology used for electronic data collection.
• Use computers and laboratory or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results.
• Summarize results for inclusion in scientific and clientele-oriented publications.
• Prepare and write proposals to funding agencies; maintain financial accounts related to research projects.
• Supervise undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical or field staff involved in research during research project data collections while at McGregor Research Center.
• Responsible for coordinating data collection and timely data entry into AgriWebb (McGregor’s livestock, pasture, and feed management program), Farmbrite (McGregor’s livestock inventory program), TEAMs Excel Cattle Files, as well as training other employees to use the programs.
• Assist with scheduled cattle management and husbandry processing. This includes (but is not limited to) vaccinations, tagging, mixing feed, feeding (rations or hay), animal movement, data collection, and maintaining animal records.
• Operate, maintain, update, and/or repair research equipment.
• Maintains training requirements for compliance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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
• Retirement programs

What This Job Offers

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