Associate Research Scientist

Job Title

Associate Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Biology

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 Department of Biology at Texas A&M University is responsible for research and teaching within the vast disciplines of the biological sciences, from molecular cell biology to ecology and evolutionary biology. Our faculty perform cutting edge research in a wide array of biological sciences in the laboratory and in the field. Our graduate research programs prepare scientists for careers in academia, industry and government and enhance our understanding of the central role of biological systems in the global environment. Our undergraduate students gain a firm foundation in modern biological sciences to prepare them for a multitude of careers that depend on a solid understanding of biology. To learn more, please visit us at https://www.bio.tamu.edu/.

What We Want

The Associate Research Scientist will work on projects that investigate the mechanisms underlying translational regulation during cellular stress. The Associate Research Scientist will study the role of biomolecular condensates including stress granules in regulating translation, the underlying principles of how translation is globally reprogrammed during stress, and how biomolecular condensates are assembled and regulated. Possible model systems will include tumorigenesis, development of resistance to chemotherapeutics and viral infection. The scientist will use a combination of microscopy, -omics, in vitro and other biochemical assays to study these questions. The scientist will be responsible for conducting research projects, training other lab personnel, maintaining an accurate laboratory notebook, writing manuscripts, presenting findings, and contributing to grant proposals. If the description sounds exciting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity to join our team.

What You Need To Know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate's education and experience.

Special Note: Due to this position's salary having all or a portion of it being funded by grants or contracts, the continuing salary and overall employment is contingent upon availability of these funds in the future.

Required Education and Experience:

• PhD in a natural science field or engineering
• 3 years’ relevant professional experience within a natural science or engineering field
  
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to build a positive work environment and be helpful, respectful, approachable, and team-oriented
• Expertise with viral culture in mammalian cell culture systems
• Expertise with standard molecular biology techniques
• At least one first-authored research publication in a good scientific journal in a relevant subject area to the project (e.g. innate immunity, translational regulation, RNA biology, biomolecular condensation)
  
  
  

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Training in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microscopy and basic computational analysis
  
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Work-bench Experiments: Carries out experiments to test the project’s hypotheses. This includes various molecular biology assays like DNA, RNA, and protein extraction from various mammalian samples/tissues, RT-PCR, qPCR, Next-Generation sequencing library generation, Western blot, cloning, in vitro protein expression, and microscopy.
• Data Analysis and Notebook Reporting: Performs analysis of experimental data including, if appropriate, bioinformatic analysis using a High-Performance Research Computing cluster. Reports experimental design and results in a lab notebook and generates figures for presentation in lab meetings and for external presentations.
• Participation in Common Lab Duties: Assists with maintaining a clean and productive workspace environment. Trains new lab members on various techniques and works collaboratively.
• Research Dissemination and grant writing: Writes up research into publishable manuscripts and also assists in writing grants to continue to fund the research and position, as well as completing other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

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. 

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M 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
• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees
  
  
  

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.