Research Associate

Texas A&M • Beaumont, TX

9h

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 Under general supervision, the Research Associate (RA) will provide technical support for breeding and research work to the professional staff. The RA will evaluate, select, and apply standard and advanced scientific techniques used in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory functions. Work performed by the RA will be evaluated based on the successful completion of tasks assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform responsibilities listed above, such as: growing, managing, and harvesting rice and samples in field and greenhouse nurseries or experiments; data measurement and compilation; and operating and maintaining field and lab equipment.
• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.
• Ensure attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.
• Ability to exert heavy force.
• Ability to work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.
• Requires some out of state travel.
• This is a grant funded position.

Responsibilities

• Conducts seed and land preparation and planting of research trials and breeding nurseries in the field and greenhouse, manages the crop growth through the season (e.g., irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide application), and harvests for yield or plant samples.
• Collects samples and measures data from research trials and breeding nurseries.
• Collects and summarizes crop management information of research trials and breeding nurseries.
• Conducts and records yield and quality (using grain analyzers) measurements.
• Compiles the data using Excel and Word.
• Clean seeds, plant and manage crossing blocks.
• Assists in making crosses for the development of new breeding populations.
• Operates and maintains the functionality of field (e.g., tractors, planters, combine harvester, threshers, and backhoe) and lab technical equipment (e.g., rice dehullers, mills, and whiteness and moisture meters).
• undefined Plants, harvest and takes data in off station yield trials.
• Trains and assigns tasks as necessary to student workers and co-workers under his supervision.
• Travels Puerto Rico for harvesting plant materials.
• Assists staff members in conducting major field experiments and consults in developing procedures.
• Contribute to taking data, writing reports, conduct research and publish manuscripts.
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees