Senior Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society (TIGSS) aims to improve the lives of humans and animals and advance agricultural productivity through genome research. We function as a virtual institute to unite genome scientists with researchers in the field of genomics technology and bioinformatics science. The work we do will shape the future of the field of genome sciences and the world. The Texas A&M University Preclinical and Phenotyping Core (TPPC) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to oversee the operation, maintenance, and user support of the Hyperion Imaging Mass Cytometer (IMC). This position will serve as the primary technical specialist for the IMC platform and will provide comprehensive IMC core services, including user consultation, sample processing, instrument operation, training, quality control, data acquisition, and technical support. The successful candidate will also contribute to additional TPPC core services as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in in biology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, engineering, or a related field
• Four years of relevant research or core facility experience, to include experience operating and maintaining advanced analytical, imaging, or mass spectrometry instrumentation.
• Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while supporting multiple investigators in a shared research environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.
• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience with Hyperion Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC), imaging mass spectrometry, or CyTOF technologies.
• Experience in a university core facility or shared research resource.
• Experience developing SOPs, training users, and supporting fee-for-service research operations.
• Familiarity with tissue preparation, immunohistochemistry, antibody panel development, and image analysis.
• Experience with IMC data processing and image analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, coordinate, and conduct experiments supporting investigator-initiated research projects and core facility services.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, and perform preventive maintenance on Imaging Mass Cytometry (Hyperion) and other assigned core instrumentation.
• Develop, optimize, validate, and implement standard and specialized laboratory protocols and workflows.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and document experimental data using appropriate software and statistical methods.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping, quality control, compliance with SOPs, and adherence to institutional safety and regulatory requirements.
• Recommend and implement improvements to laboratory procedures, workflows, and equipment performance.
• Coordinate instrument scheduling, monitor performance metrics, and communicate with vendors regarding maintenance and service as needed.
• Train faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students on proper operation of Imaging Mass Cytometry instrumentation and associated workflows.
• Develop and maintain user training materials, SOPs, and instructional documentation.
• Provide technical consultation, troubleshooting, and ongoing support to core users.
• Monitor user competency and ensure compliance with laboratory policies and safety procedures.
• Analyze, summarize, and interpret experimental results for investigators and collaborators.
• Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, presentations, and grant proposals.
• Assist with development of new assays, technologies, and core service capabilities.
• Maintain documentation required for research projects, quality assurance, and funding activities.
• Assist with daily operation of the core facility, including scheduling, inventory management, reagent procurement, equipment maintenance records, and service documentation.
• Maintain instrument usage logs, quality assurance records, and billing documentation.
• Participate in budgeting, equipment planning, vendor communications, and implementation of new technologies.
• Perform other core facility duties as assigned to support TPPC operations

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M 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
• Free exercise programs and release time
• All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior