• Job Description

  Req#: R-073218

  Job Title

  Research Associate

  Agency

  Texas A&M Agrilife Research

  Department

  Beaumont

  Proposed Minimum Salary

  Commensurate

  Job Location

  Beaumont, Texas

  Job Type

  Staff

  Job Description

  The research associate will work on the Specialty Rice Breeding Project (100%), manage and conduct greenhouse and field breeding nurseries or experiments, marker-assisted selection, and grain quality and taste tests. The research associate will record objectives and procedures, collect and analyze data, and assist in writing manuscripts, reports, proposals, or presentations. The research associate will learn and operate unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), tractor, and planter, and work with the rice breeding project staff and students.

  
  Responsibilities:

  • Manage and conduct greenhouse or field breeding nurseries or experiments (at Beaumont, Puerto Rico, or other test locations), including seed preparation, planting, crossing, phenotypic rating, plant or leaf sampling, harvesting, and postharvest processing
  • Conduct marker-assisted selection (including DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, gel electrophoresis, and gel documentation)
  • Conduct grain quality tests, including iodine colorimetric tests for amylose concentration determination and taste tests
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret phenotypic and genotypic data
  • Keep detailed records of research objectives and procedures
  • Assist or write scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals or give presentations at scientific conferences
  • Assist in the preparation of clientele‐oriented publications and oral/written reports
  • Assist in the preparation of research or grant proposals
  • Work with the specialty rice breeding project staff in lab, greenhouse, and field tasks that involve screening and development of rice that are high yielding, high quality, and tolerant to abiotic and biotic stress
  • Assist in managing the greenhouse and DNA laboratory
  • Learn, get license, and operate UAV for pesticide applications
  • Learn and operate tractor and planter for planting
  • Supervises student assistants/interns
  • Other duties as required

  
  Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Plant Breeding, Crop Science, or a related field.

  • Two years of related professional experience.

  Preferred Education and Experience:

  • M.S. in Plant Breeding, Crop Science, or a related field.

  • Training in marker-assisted selection, and population/quantitative genetics.

  • Experience working in a rice breeding program.

  • Experience in conducting marker-assisted selection.

  Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Experience in line breeding, field phenotyping, genotyping, and project management.

  • Experience in managing field operations.

  • Evidence of quality genetic or plant breeding research, including publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

  • Documented oral presentation skills in local conferences.

  • Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment

  • Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases, perform statistical analyses, present data and perform other computer related tasks.

  • Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

  Funding: This position will be 100% grant-supported.

  Supervisor: Dr. Stanley Omar PB. Samonte, Associate Professor in Specialty and Hybrid Rice Breeding, Texas A&M AgriLife Research at Beaumont

  Location and Facilities: The incumbent will be located at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Beaumont, Texas, USA. The Beaumont Center and its satellite station at Eagle Lake house about 45 scientists, research and administrative support staff, and students. Research expertise includes inbred and hybrid rice breeding; whole plant physiology; soils and plant nutrition; insect, weed and disease management; integrated cropping systems management; and cropping systems modeling. Facilities include about 960 acres of land at Beaumont and 114 acres of land at Eagle Lake. Office, laboratory and greenhouse space, and land for field research are provided to the Specialty Rice Breeding Project.

  Closing Date: Open until a suitable applicant is found

  Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

  Application Packet: Application materials for this research associate position must be submitted via Workday. Applications should contain the following:

  • An application cover letter that summarizes the candidate’s expertise and unique qualifications for the position.
  • A curriculum vitae that contains the following:
    • A summary of university degrees and relevant graduate research and training
    • An employment history. Indicate the roles and tasks you performed in the research projects.
    • A list of publications (complete list of authors, year, title, journal, volume, pages) for each of the following categories: peer-reviewed scientific journal papers, book chapters, abstracts or proceedings of scientific meetings or conferences, non-refereed scientific papers, and extension papers with a description of the role the applicant played in producing each publication.
    • A list of oral (seminar) and poster presentations in scientific meetings or conferences
  • PDF copies of up to 3 publications
  • A list of 3 professional references qualified to assess the candidate. Provide name, title, affiliation, physical address, phone number, and email address for each.

  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/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

• About the company

  Texas A&M University is a public research university in College Station, Texas.

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