Research Technician

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Technician I, under general supervision, performs entry level, semi-skilled, technical support research work involving performance of routine tasks.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow written and verbal protocols precisely and to keep accurate, legible records.
• Ability to perform basic calculations (dilutions, concentrations, unit conversions).
• Attention to detail and willingness to learn new laboratory and field techniques.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheet software.

Nice To Haves

• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a university vehicle for field sampling.

Responsibilities

• Collects samples and measurement data from laboratory experiments and field trials, including environmental swabs, drain and surface biofilm samples, and animal-production and processing-facility samples, following established sampling protocols and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Implements and maintains data collection and summarization for field trials and laboratory studies; records observations, plate counts, growth measurements, and sample metadata accurately in laboratory notebooks and electronic databases.
• Collects and compiles data. Computes quantitates (e.g., CFU/mL, dilution factors, biomass measurements) and extends projections in spreadsheets under the direction of senior staff.
• Assembles and operates technical equipment.
• Performs routine microbiological tasks including media preparation, aseptic technique, bacterial isolation and enrichment, serial dilution and plating, colony enumeration, cryopreservation of isolates, and crystal-violet or coupon-based biofilm assays.
• Assists with DNA and RNA extraction, nucleic-acid quantification, PCR set-up, and gel electrophoresis, and with preparation of samples for sequencing.
• Assembles, operates, calibrates, and performs routine maintenance on technical equipment such as incubators, autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and microscopes; reports malfunctions to senior staff.
• Maintains laboratory cleanliness and organization, prepares and disposes of biohazardous waste, tracks supply inventory, and assists with ordering and receiving.
• Maintains and organizes the laboratory culture collection and sample archive.
• Assists senior staff members, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers in conducting major laboratory and field experiments, including pathogen challenge and sanitizer tolerance studies, and consults in developing and refining standard operating procedures.
• Assists with preparation of materials for field sampling trips to farms and processing facilities and participates in sampling as needed.
• Assists senior staff members in conducting major field experiments and consults in developing procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• 12–15 annual paid holidays
• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED