Research Technician I

Texas A&M University System • Bushland, TX

40d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Technician I position will be responsible for conducting research in Entomology, Horticulture, or Plant Virology under the supervision of Dr. Kiran Gadhave. The Gadhave Lab focuses on research in these areas. This role involves implementing and maintaining data collection for greenhouse and field trials, as well as assisting senior staff in major field experiments and developing procedures. The technician will also perform insect transmission/biological assays, high tunnel/field experiments, insect colony maintenance, and plant or insect tissue preparation, including nucleic acid extraction. The position requires independent pursuit of research tasks according to approved plans and procedures, and the operation and maintenance of scientific equipment. Computer equipment will be used for controlling equipment and compiling data. The role also involves researching and cataloging reference materials and planning/supervising technical operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Knowledge of high tunnel/field equipment, greenhouse and farm operations
• Ensure attention to detail.
• Able to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and expertise working in greenhouses, high tunnels or field cultivation of vegetable crops, horticultural farm operations.
• Experience working with insect pests or plant diseases.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, and techniques in agriculture, and greenhouse operations.
• Collects samples and measurement data from experiments.
• Implements and maintains data collection and summarization of greenhouse and field trials.
• Collects and compiles data.
• Computes quantitates and extends projections.
• Assembles and operates technical equipment.
• Assists senior staff members in conducting major field experiments and consults in developing procedures.
• Conduct insect transmission/biological assays and high tunnel/field experiments under hot conditions, insect colony maintenance, plant, or insect tissue preparation, nucleic acid extraction.
• Independently pursues an assigned series of processes, procedures, or area of research in accordance with general approved plans and procedures.
• Plans and executes procedures and work details.
• Constructs, modifies, adapts, assembles, and operates scientific and laboratory apparatus and equipment.
• Uses computer equipment for controlling equipment and compiling data.
• Research and catalogs reference materials.
• Plans and supervises technical operations.
• 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
• Education Level: High school or GED