Job Title

Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Dallas

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Dallas, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Research Scientist will lead and execute complex experiments, analyze and interpret various datasets, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to foster innovative agricultural research. This position requires a high level of expertise in genomics, entomology, plant immunity, and breeding, with a particular emphasis on turfgrasses and horticultural crops.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Interdisciplinary Research: Design and execute experiments that integrate principles from genomics, entomology, plant immunity, and plant breeding to advance agricultural research.

• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze complex datasets using bioinformatics tools to interpret genomic, entomological, and phenotypic data, providing insights into plant resistance and breeding outcomes.

• Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: Work closely with scientists from various disciplines, including molecular biologists, entomologists, and plant breeders, to foster a collaborative research environment and achieve common goals.

• Develop and Optimize Protocols: Create and refine laboratory protocols for experiments involving DNA/RNA sequencing, gene editing, tissue culture techniques, plant regeneration and transformation, pest resistance assays, and phenotypic evaluations with emphasis in turfgrasses and horticultural crops.

• Grant Writing and Fundraising: Develop and write grant proposals to secure funding from governmental and private agencies for ongoing and future research projects.

• Publish Research Findings: Prepare manuscripts and reports to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international scientific conferences.

• Stay Updated with Scientific Advances: Keep abreast of the latest scientific developments in genomics, entomology, plant immunity, and breeding by reading current literature, attending workshops, and participating in relevant training.

• Communicate Research Progress: Regularly report research progress to senior management, stakeholders, and funding agencies through meetings, presentations, and detailed progress reports.

• Other Duties: Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Education: Ph.D. in genomics, entomology, plant sciences, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum of six years of related research experience in an interdisciplinary setting, including significant experience with turfgrasses and horticultural crops.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Interdisciplinary Research: Proven ability to design and execute experiments integrating multiple scientific disciplines.

• Data Analysis: Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and statistical software for complex data analysis and interpretation.

• Collaboration: Strong teamwork and communication skills for working with various scientific teams.

• Protocol Development: Expertise in developing and optimizing laboratory protocols for advanced experimental techniques.

• Grant Writing: Demonstrated success in writing and securing research grants.

• Scientific Communication: Excellent writing and presentation skills for publishing research and reporting to stakeholders.

• Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying current with scientific advancements through literature review, workshops, and training.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and report on progress effectively.

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

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.