Student Technician

Texas A&M University System•College Station, TX

1d•$7•Onsite

About The Position

General Responsibilities Prepares plant sample using digestion methods for mass spectrometry such as LC/MC, GC/MS, HPLC, ICP-MS. This includes homogenizing and weighing samples. The student has opportunities to learn basic analytical instrument usage including software and data interpretation. Prepares samples for DNA and RNA isolation for basic molecular biology including PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. The student has the opportunity to learn basic DNA sequence alignment software for data analysis. Participates in plant propagation, plant growth, maintaining plants, and measuring plant traits for downstream statistical analyses. Washes glassware and instruments, sterilizing glassware and other lab materials in autoclaves, maintaining lab supplies, prepare solutions and media. Qualifications Life Science Major, Freshman or Sophomore preferred Completed freshman biology or chemistry Organized and efficient Willing to work up to 20 hours per week, 2-4 days per week including summer. Previous lab experience a plus but not required. Understanding basic chemistry, sterile technique, and general genetics will be a useful in this position. Position Information Students will be guided by senior researchers in the lab working group. The student worker will be invited to participate in weekly or biweekly lab meetings to gain exposure to scientific discussions, planning of research projects, and reporting laboratory result. Work and study space will be provided for the student in the new Borlaug building housing the Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture in the center of the Texas A&M campus. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies 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, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service. If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you. 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 Texas A&M AgriLife collaborates with Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and West Texas A&M University as well as with other public and private partners. Prospective employee benefits Retirement programs Commitment to inclusive excellence Strategic plan

Requirements

Life Science Major, Freshman or Sophomore preferred
Completed freshman biology or chemistry
Organized and efficient
Willing to work up to 20 hours per week, 2-4 days per week including summer.

Nice To Haves

Previous lab experience a plus but not required.
Understanding basic chemistry, sterile technique, and general genetics will be a useful in this position.

Responsibilities

Prepares plant sample using digestion methods for mass spectrometry such as LC/MC, GC/MS, HPLC, ICP-MS.
This includes homogenizing and weighing samples.
Prepares samples for DNA and RNA isolation for basic molecular biology including PCR and quantitative real-time PCR.
Participates in plant propagation, plant growth, maintaining plants, and measuring plant traits for downstream statistical analyses.
Washes glassware and instruments, sterilizing glassware and other lab materials in autoclaves, maintaining lab supplies, prepare solutions and media.