Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • Dallas, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate will be an integral member of Texas A&M AgriLife Research’s turfgrass breeding team in Dallas, contributing to the development and genetic characterization of warm- and cool-season turfgrasses with improved adaptation, stress tolerance, disease resistance, and turfgrass quality. Under general supervision, the position works across breeding and population development, phenotyping, molecular analysis, sequencing, and genetic interpretation. The role also integrates phenotypic and molecular data to investigate genetic variation and identify genomic regions associated with important turfgrass traits, in collaboration with the plant genomics program.

The position is funded through grants or contracts, with funding anticipated through September 30, 2029. Continued employment depends on funding availability and satisfactory job performance. The position is not eligible for remote work and involves travel to field sites and outdoor work in variable weather conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, plus two years of related experience in plant breeding, genetics, or molecular biology; alternatively, a master's degree or higher in one of these fields or a related field.
• Experience performing controlled crosses for progeny population development, phenotyping for biotic or abiotic traits, DNA and RNA extraction and PCR, and preparing samples for next-generation sequencing.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to keep detailed and timely records and data.
• Ability to lift or move light, moderate, or heavy objects.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with advanced phenotyping technologies, including drones and other phenotyping platforms.
• Experience with molecular marker analysis, QTL/GWAS analysis, and bioinformatics.

Responsibilities

• Develop breeding and biparental populations and genetic diversity panels for molecular and genetic analyses in warm- and cool-season turfgrasses, including preparing parental materials, making controlled crosses, and producing progeny populations.
• Characterize populations using wet-laboratory molecular methods and DNA sequencing, including DNA extraction and quantification, PCR, molecular marker analysis, and preparing and submitting samples for next-generation sequencing.
• Evaluate progeny populations for traits such as drought and salinity tolerance in field and controlled-environment conditions.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals, present research at scientific meetings as needed, prepare progress reports for sponsors, collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Integrate phenotypic and molecular data to investigate genetic variation and identify genomic regions associated with turfgrass traits; develop molecular markers and conduct linkage and QTL analysis, genetic mapping, and application of genomic information to turfgrass breeding in collaboration with the plant genomics program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Travel to various field site locations.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, with AgriLife contributions 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