Research Assistant

Job Title Research Assistant Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Biochemistry & Biophysics Proposed Minimum Salary $18.64 hourly Job Location Edinburg, 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 how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world! Position Information We are currently seeking a Research Assistant who will be hired through Texas A&M AgriLife to conduct research at the USDA Insect Management and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (IMMDL) in Edinburg, TX.  Responsibilities: Utilize the skills and complete research projects in the field of fruit flies Be dedicated to completing research work assignments Follow up experimental aims and schedules Maintain laboratory records and keep project timelines Report data and discuss results with the project lead for future work Participate in group meetings and team-based discussions Be able to share knowledge and skills with colleagues Comply with safety/ethical regulations in USDA facilities Performs other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences. Preferred Qualifications: Insect rearing and breeding. Fruit fly quality control procedures for egg hatching, pupal growth, stress tolerance, flight ability, etc. Genetic crossing and phenotype characterization. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of laboratory maintenance and equipment. Knowledge of computers and computer software related to the position. Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others. What You Need to Know Position Funding: This position is grant funded and availability is contingent on grant funding. 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 leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month Automatic enrollment in the Teacher 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. 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/Veterans/Disability Employer.