Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Biochemistry & Biophysics

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

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 joining AgriLife!

Position Information

Job Summary:

The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will conduct independent and collaborative research within the laboratory’s broader research program. The scholar will develop research questions; design, conduct, and interpret research studies; develop or adapt experimental and/or computational approaches; and communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.

The laboratory investigates how structural variation and complex regions of the human genome influence genome function, neurodevelopment, and disease. Research may integrate genomics, long-read sequencing, computational analysis, molecular and cellular biology, genome engineering, and stem-cell-derived models. Specific research directions will be developed based on the scholar’s expertise and interests in alignment with the laboratory’s research program and funded project objectives.

The position requires the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, analyze and interpret research findings, troubleshoot research challenges, and contribute effectively to interdisciplinary and collaborative research. The scholar is expected to demonstrate strong scientific writing, oral communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills and to follow applicable institutional research, safety, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities:

Research Design and Execution

Develops research questions and designs, plans, and conducts research studies within the laboratory’s research program and funded project objectives. Develops and applies appropriate experimental and/or computational approaches; evaluates research progress; troubleshoots technical and scientific challenges; and modifies research strategies and procedures as appropriate.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Collects, manages, analyzes, and interprets research data using appropriate scientific, statistical, computational, and/or laboratory approaches. Maintains accurate and organized research records and evaluates findings in the context of project objectives and relevant scientific literature.

Scholarly Publications and Dissemination

Prepares manuscripts describing research findings for submission to peer-reviewed journals and takes a leading role in disseminating work for projects for which the scholar has primary responsibility. Prepares abstracts, presentations, research reports, and other scholarly materials and presents research findings at scientific conferences, seminars, and other academic forums.

Collaboration and Research Project Support

Collaborates with the Principal Investigator, faculty, staff, students, and external research partners to advance research objectives. Participates in research meetings, coordinates collaborative activities, and contributes to research planning, grant development, and project reporting as appropriate.

Mentoring and Training

Provides research guidance, technical training, and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students and other laboratory personnel as appropriate. Promotes rigorous research practices, accurate documentation, appropriate safety procedures, and a collaborative research environment.

Professional Development and Other Duties

Maintains current knowledge of relevant scientific literature, methods, technologies, and professional practices through seminars, conferences, training, and independent study. Participates in professional development activities appropriate for postdoctoral training and career advancement. Performs other duties related to the position as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• •Ph.D. in Genomics, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Computational Biology, Neuroscience, or a closely related field. Candidates who have completed all doctoral degree requirements but are awaiting formal degree conferral may be considered in accordance with institutional policy.
• •Knowledge of fundamental principles and research methods in genomics, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computational biology, neuroscience, or a related field.
• •Ability to design, conduct, analyze, and interpret scientific research with increasing independence.
• •Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and apply relevant findings to research questions.
• •Strong analytical, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning skills.
• •Strong written and oral scientific communication skills.
• •Ability to maintain accurate, organized, and reproducible research records.
• •Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• •Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• •Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous scientific research and analyze and interpret research findings.
• •Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and apply relevant findings to research questions.
• •Strong written and oral scientific communication skills.
• •Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• •Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• •Ability to maintain accurate research records and follow applicable institutional research, safety, and compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• •Record of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications, preprints, conference presentations, software, datasets, or other research outputs.
• •Experience developing, optimizing, or adapting experimental, computational, or analytical methodologies to address new scientific questions.
• •Experience preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and presenting research findings at scientific conferences or seminars.
• •Experience mentoring or training undergraduate students, graduate students, research staff, or other junior researchers.
• •Research experience in one or more areas relevant to the laboratory’s program, such as genomics, structural variation, long-read sequencing, computational biology, molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, neurodevelopment, or related fields.
• •Experience with experimental and/or computational approaches relevant to genomics, structural variation, molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, or neurodevelopment.
• •Experience analyzing genomic, molecular, cellular, or other complex biological datasets.
• •Ability to develop, optimize, troubleshoot, or adapt research methodologies to address new scientific questions.
• •Experience preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and presenting scientific findings.
• •Experience mentoring or training students or junior researchers.
• •Familiarity with principles of rigorous and reproducible research and appropriate research data management.

Other Requirements:

• •Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or nonstandard hours when necessary for research activities and coordinated in advance with the Supervisor.
• •Th