Research Assistant

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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

We are currently seeking a Research Assistant who will be hired through Texas A&M AgriLife to conduct research at the USDA Insect Management and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (IMMDL) in Edinburg, TX.

Responsibilities:

• Utilize the skills and complete research projects in the field of fruit flies
• Be dedicated to completing research work assignments
• Follow up experimental aims and schedules
• Maintain laboratory records and keep project timelines
• Report data and discuss results with the project lead for future work
• Participate in group meetings and team-based discussions
• Be able to share knowledge and skills with colleagues
• Comply with safety/ethical regulations in USDA facilities
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Insect rearing and breeding.
• Fruit fly quality control procedures for egg hatching, pupal growth, stress tolerance, flight ability, etc.
• Genetic crossing and phenotype characterization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of laboratory maintenance and equipment.
• Knowledge of computers and computer software related to the position.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

What You Need to Know
Position Funding: This position is grant funded and availability is contingent on grant funding.

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.

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.