Job Title

Research Assistant/Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences & Society

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society (TIGSS) aims to improve the lives of humans and animals and advance agricultural productivity through genome research. We function as a virtual institute to unite genome scientists with researchers in the field of genomics technology and bioinformatics science. The work we do will shape the future of the field of genome sciences and the world. To learn more, visit https://genomics.tamu.edu/.

What We Want

We are seeking Research Assistants/Research Associates with various levels of experience. Individuals with very little experience are encouraged to apply, as well as those with multiple years of experience. If this job description sounds interesting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity.

What You Need To Know

Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

We are looking for a Research Assistant/Research Associate, so please include your work history with brief details by attaching a resume or completing the application.

Research Assistant

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• The Research Assistant performs independent roles in Texas A&M Preclinical Phenotyping Core (TPPC) services requiring an advanced level of knowledge in a field of science and requires consistent use of discretion and judgment. Supports core director in preparing proposals and collecting necessary material for funding agencies, operates research equipment, and supervises students and other lab/field personnel in research.

Research Associate

• Bachelor's degree in genetics, molecular biology, or other life sciences

• 2 years of experience in a molecular biology laboratory

• The Research Associate provides customer service and support; trains and assists users of common laboratory equipment; assists in planning Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and other experiments to fulfill customer requests; conducts NGS and other molecular biology experiments; performs basic bioinformatics analysis when needed and coordinates with the bioinformatician to initiate data analysis; and maintains data and other records.

Responsibilities

• User Training/Core Service: Train new researchers, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with vendor technicians under the direction of the core director.

• Support Core Director: Assist the Director in preparing brochures, data collection, advertising materials, and proposals.

• Supervise & Mentor: Supervise, train, and mentor undergraduate student workers, managing their schedules.

• Administration: Maintain supply and reagent inventories, order laboratory supplies and equipment.

• Next Generation Sequencing: Perform NGS library preparation, operate sequencers (MiSeq, NextSeq 2000, GridION), send libraries for sequencing, assist with single-cell and spatial RNA sequencing libraries, and collaborate with bioinformaticians for data analysis.

• Other Genomics Services: Conduct various genomics services including nucleic acid isolation, qPCR, RT-qPCR, droplet digital PCR, SNP genotyping, methylation genotyping, and optical genome mapping.

• Customer Service and Support: Assist self-service customers, receive samples, distribute data, provide methodologies for publications, and answer customer questions about procedures and data.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat

• Must be able to lift and/or move light, medium or heavy objects

• Some lifting/carrying of core service materials/ parts

• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines

Other Requirements and Factors

• This position is security sensitive

• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures

• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements

  Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. 

• Health (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/medical/) , dental (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/dental/) , vision (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/vision-insurance/) , life and long-term disability insurance (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/life-add/) with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/index.html) of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/sick.html)  and at least  eight hours of paid vacation each (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/vacation.html) month

• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time (https://flourish.tamu.edu/wellness-release-time/)

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free  LinkedIn Learning (https://linkedinlearning.tamu.edu/)  training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

• Employee Tuition Assistance (https://livingwell.tamu.edu/employee-tuition-assistance/) and Educational Release time (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/educational.html) for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University 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 pre-populate 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/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.