Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job TitlePostdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Horticultural Sciences Proposed Minimum Salary$4,166.67 monthly Job LocationCollege Station, Texas Job TypeStaff 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 nations 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 Responsibilities: Lead and coordinate lab activities, including scheduling, supply requisition, safety, and compliance (5%). Conduct research on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze large-scale biological, genomic, metabolomic, and phenotypic dataset (25%). Investigate the genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors influencing bioactive compounds and volatiles in fruits and vegetables (5%). Developing AI-enabled decision support tools for breeding climate-resilient, high-quality horticultural crops (5%) Maintain laboratory certification through record-keeping and quality assurance and collaborate with research teams, industry partners, and other experts, including participation in the tomato integrated project. Conduct field trials and collect samples across Texas as needed (10%). Work with transdisciplinary scientists and analyze large data set (10%) Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, as well as visiting scientists (10%). Participate in grant writing, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of research through peer-reviewed publications (5%). Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center (25%). Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in related field. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and Genomic selection related to climate resilience and secondary metabolites of fruits and vegetables. Preferred licenses or certifications: Ability to obtain a valid US driver's license. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Experience applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze large-scale biological, genomic, metabolomic, and phenotypic datasets. Knowledge of genomic selection, genomic prediction, GWAS, quantitative genetics, and statistical learning for crop improvement. Experience integrating multi-omics datasets (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, phenomics, microbiome) for predictive modeling and biological interpretation. Proficiency in Python, R, AI/ML frameworks, and bioinformatics pipelines for high-throughput data analysis and decision support in plant breeding. Experience developing AI-enabled decision support tools for breeding climate-resilient, high-quality horticultural crops. Familiarity with statistical modeling and computational approaches for bioactive compound analysis. Next-generation sequencing, metagenomics, RNA-seq and transcriptomics analysis. Multi-omics integration. Bioinformatics and data analysis using R and Python. AI/ML-assisted biological data analysis. Ability to manage laboratory personnel, inventory, and research projects. Strong background in preparing safety manuals, analytical methods, and standard operating procedures. Experience in disseminating research findings through reports, presentations, and grant proposals. Mentorship experience with students and lab members. Machine or equipment used to perform the essential duties of this position: computer 20 hours, telephone 5 hours, calculator 1 hour. Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife? When you choose toworkfor 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 leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacation each month Automatic enrollment in theTeacher 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 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. 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