Research Associate

Job Title Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Entomology 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 how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world! Job Responsibilities: *Research and Experimental Support -Design, plan, conduct, and coordinate experiments supporting research on gene drive performance, DNA repair pathway usage, chromosomal position effects, and transgene removal in Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti. Assist with development, testing, and validation of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents, guide RNAs, donor constructs, transgenic lines, and related genome engineering tools. Perform genetic crosses, progeny screening, insect colony maintenance, fluorescence-based phenotyping, molecular assays, and routine troubleshooting of experimental protocols. *Molecular Analysis, Data Evaluation, and Research Equipment Operation -Use laboratory and technical equipment to perform PCR, genotyping, sequencing preparation, gel electrophoresis, fluorescence screening, HRMA or related genotyping assays, and other molecular biology procedures. Analyze and summarize experimental outcomes, including inheritance patterns, homing rates, indel formation, transgene excision, DNA repair events, and resistance allele formation. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and ensure accurate documentation of equipment use, experimental data, and research results. *Research Publications, Proposals, and Reporting -Compile and summarize data for scientific manuscripts, progress reports, presentations, funding proposals, and other research documents. Assist with preparation of figures, tables, methods summaries, and written descriptions of experimental results. Contribute to proposal development and project documentation related to gene drive efficacy, DNA repair, mosquito transgenesis, and gene drive mitigation strategies. *Training and Laboratory Coordination -Train undergraduate students, graduate students, technicians, and other laboratory personnel in research procedures, insect handling, molecular biology techniques, data recording, equipment operation, and biosafety practices. Assist with coordinating day-to-day laboratory workflows, maintaining insect stocks and research materials, and ensuring that research activities are performed according to established protocols. *Compliance, Safety, and Laboratory Operations -Support compliance with institutional biosafety, genetically modified organism, and arthropod containment requirements. Maintain organized laboratory records, inventories, protocols, and research materials. Assist with routine lab organization, ordering, and preparation of supplies needed for ongoing experiments. *Performs Other Duties as Assigned -Perform other duties as needed to support the research program, including weekend or after-hours work for insect colony maintenance, experimental time points, blood feeding schedules, data collection, or other project needs. Required Education: -Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, bioengineering, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred Education: -Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, bioengineering, or a closely related field. Coursework or training in molecular genetics, genome engineering, DNA repair, transgenesis, or genomics. Training in laboratory safety, biosafety, genetically modified organism handling, arthropod containment, or related research compliance areas. Required Experience: -Two years of related experience in a specialized and relevant field of research. Preferred Experience : -Experience working with Drosophila melanogaster or other laboratory model organisms. -Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, transgenesis, gene drive systems, DNA repair assays, or functional genetics. -Experience with genetic crosses, insect colony maintenance, fluorescence-based screening, phenotyping, or multigenerational inheritance studies. -Experience analyzing DNA repair outcomes, including homology-directed repair, end joining, microhomology-mediated end joining, single-strand annealing, indel formation, or resistance allele formation. -Experience with plasmid construction, guide RNA design, donor template preparation, embryo microinjection support, or transgenic line screening. Experience with HRMA, Sanger sequencing analysis, nanopore sequencing preparation, inverse PCR, or other genotyping/sequencing-based methods. -Experience preparing scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, progress reports, conference abstracts, or presentations. -Experience training students, technicians, or other laboratory personnel. -Experience working under biosafety or containment protocols for genetically modified organisms or arthropods. -Experience conducting laboratory research in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, or a related scientific field. -Experience using standard molecular biology techniques such as molecular cloning, PCR, gel electr