Research Scientist

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

We are seeking a Research Scientist, who under general supervision, designs, performs, and analyzes experiments. Mentors students on analyzing and preparing data results.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, or a closely related field.
• Six or more years of related postdoctoral or professional research experience in a specialized biological research field.
• Advanced knowledge of molecular virology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and related biological research methods.
• Ability to independently design, conduct, troubleshoot, and complete complex research activities.
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize research data accurately.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare manuscripts, technical reports, research summaries, and other scientific documents.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Ability to manage multiple research priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Applicant must have significant knowledge of biochemical methods and techniques involved in protein biochemistry, including experience applying these methods to complex biological research questions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting research on arthropod-borne viruses, mosquito-borne disease systems, viral suppressors of RNA silencing, small RNA pathways, or vector-borne disease control strategies.
• Experience leading or substantially contributing to complex research projects from experimental planning through data interpretation and manuscript preparation.
• Experience in an academic research laboratory, university research setting, or comparable research institution.
• Experience mentoring, training, or providing research guidance to students, postdoctoral researchers, or other research personnel.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, accepted manuscripts, or manuscripts under review in relevant scientific fields.
• Experience conducting research in molecular virology, virus-host interactions, virus-vector interactions, RNA silencing, or closely related areas.
• Experience contributing to research publications, manuscripts, technical reports, or sponsor-related research documentation.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary research environment involving faculty, researchers, students, and/or external collaborators.
• Knowledge of RNA silencing pathways, virus-host/vector interactions, mosquito biology, and vector-borne disease systems.
• Knowledge of recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical assay development, molecular cloning, PCR-based methods, RNA analysis, and related molecular techniques.
• Knowledge of BSL-2 and/or BSL-3 virology procedures and appropriate laboratory safety practices.
• Ability to analyze transcriptomic, RNA-seq, sequence, or other biological data using bioinformatics or computational biology approaches.
• Ability to train, mentor, or guide junior researchers, students, or laboratory personnel.
• Ability to develop presentation materials and communicate technical research findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conducts complex independent research within a specialized field of expertise.
• Applies advanced scientific knowledge, technical skills, and research methods to carry out assigned research projects.
• Designs, performs, and evaluates experiments, studies, or research activities consistent with project goals.
• Collects, analyzes, interprets, and summarizes research data.
• Identifies research challenges and applies appropriate methods to support project progress and completion.
• Writes, reviews, and contributes to research papers, articles, manuscripts, and other scholarly publications.
• Prepares summaries of research findings, data analyses, and project outcomes.
• Actively participates in the preparation of technical progress reports for research sponsors, collaborators, and institutional stakeholders.
• Maintains accurate research records, documentation, and files in accordance with project, departmental, and institutional requirements.
• Prepares presentation materials related to research topics, findings, methods, and project progress.
• Presents or assists with presenting research findings to small and/or large groups.
• Communicates research progress, results, and technical information to faculty, researchers, sponsors, students, and collaborators.
• May assist, train, or mentor student researchers, Postdoctoral Research Associates, Assistant Research Scientists, Associate Research Scientists, and other research personnel working on related projects.
• May supervise assigned staff and/or students.
• Collaborates with faculty, researchers, and multidisciplinary team members to support research objectives.
• Provides technical guidance and support to research personnel as needed.
• Oversees the preparation, organization, and cleaning of the research worksite.
• Determines supplies, materials, and equipment needed to conduct research effectively.
• Uses and maintains research equipment appropriate to the area of study.
• Supports compliance with applicable safety, operational, and institutional procedures.
• Assists with grant acquisition, proposal preparation, and related research development activities.
• Supports planning and coordination of research activities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Contributes information, data, and written materials needed for funding applications or sponsor communications.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental, research, and institutional needs.
• May work evenings, weekends, or outside normal business hours as required by research activities.
• May travel as required for research, presentations, collaboration, or project-related activities.

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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree