Research Specialist I

Job Title

Research Specialist I

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Nutrition

Proposed Minimum Salary

$3,750.00 monthly

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

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

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences 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, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

The Research Specialist will join the Technologies to Explain Aging and Senescence (TEXAS) Lab of Dr. Waylon J. Hastings in the Department of Nutrition. Under general supervision of PI Hastings, the specialist will perform and optimize molecular assays supporting studies centered on the measurement of biological aging and metabolic stress. Procedures implemented include antibody-mediated cell isolation, nucleic acid extraction, nucleic acid characterization, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and immunoassay, with prospective work expanding into mammalian cell culture, long-read sequencing, and cellular respiration (Agilent Seahorse XF). As proficiency increases, the specialist will assume greater responsibility in drafting text and performing analyses for manuscripts/proposals. Additional responsibilities include training students and other lab personnel in research and daily management of laboratory samples and supplies.

Responsibilities:

Research and Technical Support (25%)

• Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies
• Maintains laboratory according to Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) specifications
• Provides logistical support with laboratory computers and instruments
• Performs laboratory cleanup

Data Analysis and Testing (50%)

• Collects samples and measurements of data from experiments
• Performs analysis and tests
• Records observations and scientific measurements
• Assists undergraduate and graduate students with their research projects

Training (10%)

• Participate in training and professional development sessions as needed
• Trains undergraduate and/or graduate students on laboratory safety and procedures
• Develops and maintains training materials and laboratory protocols for external users

Research Publications and Proposals (10%)

• Utilizes summarized data/meta-data to draft methods and reporting tables for publications
• Prepares supporting documentation for proposals to funding agencies

Other Duties as assigned (5%)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Four years of biomedical research experience

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with staff.
• Working knowledge of office software and instructional programs.
• Knowledge of R programming is strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Completion of relevant Texas A&M biosafety and environmental health and safety training within 14 days of hire and prior to initiating any work in the laboratory.
• Experience working with human samples and/or in BSL2 laboratories.
• Familiarity with DNA extraction, qPCR, and absorbance-based laboratory assays.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture is highly desirable.
• Experience implementing and training others to use novel laboratory procedures.
• Candidates with phlebotomy experience will be given special consideration.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• 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

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

Required Documents

CV/ Resume

Cover letter

List of references

Certifications/ additional documentation

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.