Job Title
Postdoctoral Research AssociateAgency
Texas A&M Agrilife ResearchDepartment
UvaldeProposed Minimum Salary
CommensurateJob Location
Uvalde, TexasJob Type
StaffJob Description
About Texas A&M AgriLife
Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:
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
Postdoctoral Research Associate will perform independent and collaborative research to evaluate the mode-of-action of a chemical and identify targeted biological pathways from hypothesized mechanisms and evaluate potential risks. Research will be conducted in a team environment and will likely involve use of growth chambers, greenhouses, or open fields.
Conduct research related to plant and/or microbial response to chemicals in greenhouse and field production systems
Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and interpret results
Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional meetings
Participate in a collaborative team research project related to soil and plant response to agronomic chemicals to determine the mode-of-action
Perform independent research with a focus on plant responses to chemical treatments in both greenhouse pots and open field production systems
Prepare, collect and organize samples for growth, food/feed quality, mineral or biochemical analysis
Use analytical equipment (soil/root/plant sensors, chlorophyll fluorescence, etc.) and process samples using standard laboratory analytical techniques (e.g., nutrient extraction, pH, EC), experience with DNA extraction and transcriptomics beneficial
Evaluate data and summarize results for preparation in peer reviewed publications including use of simple to complex statistical analysis.
Compose and write scientific publications, progress and annual/final reports for grants
Supervise undergraduate and/or graduate students and other lab personnel in research
Travel between Uvalde and College Station to interact with PI's based in the Soil and Plant Sciences Department which requires a valid driver's license
Performs other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
PhD degree in soil science, horticulture, agronomy, plant physiology, or closely related field
Strong background and research experience in soil, plant physiological, or microbial analysis
Ability to conduct independent research in controlled environment systems
Strong ability to formulate hypothesis, design experiments, handling scientific data, perform statistical analysis, and writing scientific reports
Evidence of publications in peer-reviewed journals
Excellent English written and oral communication skills required to perform job duties effectively
Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others
Proven organizational skills
Ability to effectively communicate with faculty, students, and staff
Ability to drive and travel independently or in groups
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in the cultivation of plants (e.g., tomato, corn) in greenhouse (hydroponic, soil culture) and field conditions, or experience to conduct soil microbial research
Experience in the measurement of nutrients, growth metrics, and plant physiology/morphology or microbial activity
Experience in monitoring plant and microbes for stress, nutrition, health
Ability to identify and control plant pests and diseases
Experience conducting incubation and/or plant growth experiments and strong skills associated with experiment design, sample preparation/analysis, data analysis and manuscript preparation
Experience with -omics technologies (e.g., transcriptomics)
Other Requirements:
Ability to lift or move heavy loads up to 50 pounds
What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.
Required Documents: Cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae stating education, experience and qualifications, and a list of three references with contact information are required. Failure to provide all required documents could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.
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:
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.