Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job TitlePostdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Department Vet Med Pathobiology Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationCollege Station, Texas Job TypeStaff Job Description 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. Who we are The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) includes the Small Animal Hospital http://vethospital.tamu.edu/smallhttp://vethospital.tamu.edu/small-animal-hospitalanimal-hospital and the Large Animal Hospital http://vethospital.tamu.edu/large-animal-hospital, both of which are dedicated to the total well-being and care of a pet throughout its lifetime. We work with great people, great clinicians, and great educators with a passion for animals and educating others that allows us to provide total care for animal patients while helping to train the next generation of veterinarians. What we want The Postdoctoral Research Associate conducts independent and collaborative research using microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, and cancer biology techniques. Designs and executes in vitro and in vivo experiments, analyzes data, maintains detailed records, and contributes to scientific publications. Mentors' trainees, supports grant preparation, and presents research findings. Work will be performed in BSL2 environments and includes handling laboratory animals and insect vectors. What you need to know Salary: $50,000 - $55,000 Special Instructions: A cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references (to include at least one previous supervisor) are strongly recommended. You may upload all three on the application under CV/Resume or upon answering the questionnaire you may attach the documents. Schedule: This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding. Qualifications Required Education Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, or Genetics. Preferred Qualifications Experience in microbiological techniques and biosafety level 2 practices Experience working with small animals Experience working in molecular biology (western blotting, RT-PCR, RNA-DNA isolation, ELISAs, ddPCR) Experience designing and constructing plasmids and other cloning techniques. Experience performing analysis of genomic data, including phylogenomics, gene identification, whole genome assembly, GWAS, and shotgun metagenomics, including the associated software Published in high-quality peer-reviewed journals Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to work cooperatively with others. Willing and able to work with laboratory animals Comfortable with the collection and handling of human and/or animal tissue, which may include stool, blood, and organs Ability to keep accurate and up-to-date research records. Strong English verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work in a Biosafety Level 2 lab and follow all guidelines. Self-motivated, independent, and creative thinker willing to step out of his/her comfort zone to learn new techniques and knowledge. Ability to prepare research data for publication and presentations at scientific meetings Capable of performing required duties with a minimum of supervision after training. Ability to identify, assess, and solve problems independently. Must be able to organize and manage a varied range of assignments and projects with high efficiency. Able to work with database, graphing, word processing, and statistical computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, GraphPad Prism, R Studio Responsibilities Research Under general supervision, conducts research into their field of expertise. Utilizes knowledge and skills granted to them by their education and expertise to complete research projects in their field of expertise. Assists with the preparation and cleaning of the worksite. Maintains accurate, detailed records of experimental data and protocols Analyzes research data and summarizes results. Performs microbiological experimentation (aseptic technique, selective and differential culturing, MICs, preparation of inoculum, CFUs, etc.) Assists with all aspects of in vivo experiments with laboratory animals or insect vectors (handling animals, drug administration, implanting tumors, and tissue collections/dissection, including stools, etc.), tissue processing, histological analysis, and immunological profiling. Submits request for services (sequencing, histopathology, or immunohistochemistry, etc.) and handles correspondence between support or husbandry staff regarding mice health concerns. Performs and coordinates scientific experiments in a collaborative effort with other technicians, students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff members. Monitors workflow as it pertains to the need for supplies, including ordering of all supplies, equipment maintenance, and stock solutions Analyzes data, prepares statistical analyses, and summarizes data in graphs, tables, or visuals for use in submission to journals and other scientific publications. Writes and contributes to research papers, articles, and publications. Mentoring May assist, mentor, and/or supervise undergraduate student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project. Mentors trainees in the laboratory to ensure proper research compliance and biosafety practices are followed Trains other research support staff and provides oversight for management of laboratory functions such as inventory, ordering supplies and equipment, and general lab cleanliness Grant Preparation and Career Development Works with the Principal Investigator to prepare and submit competitive research proposals for funding from private, state, and federal granting agencies, Attends grant-writing seminars, professional development, and career development workshops geared towards postdoctoral fellows Help prepare research protocols and SOPs Presentations Prepares presentation materials on a research topic that may be presented to small and/or large groups. Actively participates in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors. Participates in lab meetings and presents data where necessary. 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 leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more Educational release time and tuition assistancefor 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 Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University 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 pre-populate the online application. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institutions verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institutions procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. Howdy and thank you for your interest in a career with Texas A&M University. As the flagship campus of The Texas A&M University System, we are located in College Station, Texas with a student population of more than 74,000 and nearly 14,000 faculty and staff. The Spirit of Aggieland is unmistakable. We are a unique American institution, fostering a culture of friendliness, compassion and respect for one another. Our unique history and rich traditions make Texas A&M special. From our benefits package and professional development opportunities to our retirement programs, Texas A&M is a great place to work. Your path to a great career starts here! Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. If you need assistance in applying for this job, please contact (979) 845-5154. Useful Links: Benefit Programs Retirement Employee Discount Program Flexible Spending Accounts University Holidays Legal Statements New Employee Orientation Prospective Employees Safety and Security Notices Training and Development USERRA Nondiscrimination Notice