Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job TitlePostdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Poultry Science Proposed Minimum Salary$4,583.34 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 The postdoctoral fellow will conduct research on Campylobacter species, including C. coli, C. jejuni, and C. hepaticus. Research topics include poultry food safety, spotty liver disease, antibiotic alternatives, and host immune responses. Primary research activities will include: Collection, isolation, and characterization of field strains of Campylobacter Development of improved differential and selective culture media Design and evaluation of candidate subunit vaccines Identification and evaluation of protective compounds and antibiotic alternatives Testing candidate interventions using in vitro and in vivo challenge models to assess pathogen colonization and host immune function The postdoctoral fellow will work closely with faculty, graduate students, and technical staff in the Departments of Poultry Science and Animal Science at Texas A&M University and will collaborate with scientists from the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Responsibilities Conduct independent and collaborative research projects Design and perform laboratory and animal experiments Analyze microbiological, molecular, microbiome, and bioinformatics data Contribute to manuscript preparation and publication in peer-reviewed journals Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and research reports Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students Assist with preparation and maintenance of regulatory compliance documentation and protocols related to animal welfare, biosafety, and environmental health and safety. Coordinate with laboratory personnel to maintain inventory and procure research supplies. Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Poultry Science with a strong microbiology focus Experience conducting both basic (e.g., molecular biology, microbiome analysis, bioinformatics) and applied research (e.g., animal and industry field trials) Demonstrated training and proficiency in working with risk group 2 pathogens in BSL-2 and ABSL-2 facilities Other Requirements In order to be considered for this position prior to your doctoral degree being conferred, please attach a letter from your schools official Graduate Office, Registrars Office or PhD Committee Chair certifying that all requirements for the doctoral degree have been met and stating the degree conferral date. Preferred Qualifications Peer-reviewed publication record commensurate with career stage Strong written and oral communication skills Interest in mentoring graduate students and contributing to collaborative publications Prior experience working with Campylobacter hepaticus Experience with biosecurity strategies and food safety interventions Practical understanding of the commercial poultry industry and HACCP-based food safety systems Experience writing or contributing to competitive grant proposals Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidates qualifications. 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 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