Research Associate

Job Title

Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Health And Kinesiology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

What We Want

We're looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative research professional who is excited to advance translational research focused on healthy aging, nutrition, exercise, and metabolism. In this role, you'll support innovative studies conducted through the Center for Translational Research in Aging & Longevity by preparing research materials, coordinating sample management, and performing analytical chemistry procedures within a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory environment. The ideal candidate thrives in a hands-on research setting and enjoys contributing to projects that explore how nutrients and other key metabolic building blocks influence health and disease as we age. You'll work alongside multidisciplinary researchers to help generate meaningful discoveries that can improve the well-being of aging populations. If you're passionate about scientific inquiry, laboratory research, and making a real-world impact through health and kinesiology research, we encourage you to apply.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire's experience.

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

Other Requirements and Factors:

• This position is grant funded, which is renewed under the provisions of the grantor of the agreement. Therefore, your position is contingent upon continuation of funding of these grants and/or contracts.
• May have to work on the weekend and/or after normal hours.
• May travel as required.

Essential Duties/Tasks

Research

• Conducts and coordinates experiments in support of various research projects.
• Evaluates, selects, and applies standard techniques of routine research, keeping detailed records of data.
• Installs, operates, and/or repairs research equipment.
• Uses computers, laboratory equipment to conduct data and statistical analyses, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results.
• Evaluates and summarizes experiment results.

Laboratory Maintenance

• Sample (storage) management
• Equipment calibration and maintenance
• Waste management
• Ordering supplies

Research Reports & Publications

• Utilizes summarized results in scientific and/or clientele-oriented publications.
• Prepares and writes proposals to funding agencies and maintains financial accounts related to research projects.

Training

• Trains undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical or field staff involved in research.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience in specialized and relevant fields of research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's in (bio)chemistry.
• Experience in a biosafety level 2 laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.
• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent math skills.
• High level of organizational skills.
• Good background in standard chemical-analytical laboratory techniques including:
• preparation of sample batches,
• making standard solutions,
• routine equipment maintenance,
• run MS analyses,
• reporting results and quality control.

Comfortable working in a multidisciplinary and international environment

Machines and Equipment:

• 2 LC-MS/MS Systems: SCIEX 5500 and 7500+ MS, both paired with an M5 Microanalytical LC system.
• GC-Triple-Quad MS/MS (7000E, Agilent)
• Multiplexed immunoassay system milliplex analyser, Luminex xMAP technology), with microplate washer (BioTek, 405 TS)
• Epoch 2 Microplate Spectrophotometer (Agilent BioTek, Winooski VT)
• AFS-8D Milli-Q analytical water purifier (Millipore)
• Instrument-gas (nitrogen, zero-air) generators (PEAK Scientific) supplied by a 30 hp air compressor system (Powerex) with dual coalescing dryers and an 80 G storage tank

Who We Are

The mission of the Department of Health and Kinesiology (HLKN) is to contribute to the quality of life of the citizens of the state, nation, and world, through the creation and dissemination of knowledge, training of educators and professionals, and service to the community and profession. Vital aspects of these efforts are to educate our students and the public about the science and benefits of health, human movement, sport, lifetime fitness activities, and wellness. To learn more, please visit https://hlkn.tamu.edu/

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• 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
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: 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
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

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.