Research Associate

Job Title

Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Beaumont

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Beaumont, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Research Associate position will have two major areas of emphasis: 75% will involve working with a team of scientists to quantify the phenotypic basis for superior performance of inbred and hybrid rice cultivars and potentially cellulosic crops, and to optimize cropping systems productivity and profitability and 25% will be providing Macintosh hardware/software technical support and collecting and processing sewage facility samples to determine water quality.

Responsibilities:

• Works with a team of scientists to quantify the phenotypic basis for superior performance of inbred and hybrid rice cultivars and potentially cellulosic crops, and to optimize cropping systems productivity and profitability.

• Responsible for each stage of experimentation, crop production, and management, including designing experiments, planting to harvesting, processing of harvested grain and biomass samples, creating databases, analyzing data, writing technical reports and refereed journal papers, and developing PowerPoint presentations, which requires operating a vehicle to perform duties.

• Provides Macintosh hardware/software technical support.

• Processes sewage facility samples to determine water quality.

• Performs other related duties as required/directed.

Required Education and Experience:

• B.S. in biological science or related field.

• Two years of related experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• M.S. in biological science or related field.

• Six years cropping systems experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to use word processing, spreadsheets and database programs.

• Ability to work outdoors and be able to operate, repair, or assist in the repair of a wide range of farm and experimental equipment

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

• Ability and willingness to operate an automobile.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Macintosh hardware/software trouble shooting.

• Proficiency in data entry and analysis programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Valid Texas driver's license

Application Packet: 

Application materials for this research associate position must be submitted via Workday. Applications should contain the following:

• An application cover letter that summarizes the candidate’s expertise and unique qualifications for the position. 

• A curriculum vitae that contains the following:

  • A summary of university degrees and relevant graduate research and training

  • An employment history. Indicate the roles and tasks you performed in the research projects.

  • A list of publications (complete list of authors, year, title, journal, volume, pages) for each of the following categories: peer-reviewed scientific journal papers, book chapters, abstracts or proceedings of scientific meetings or conferences, non-refereed scientific papers, and extension papers with a description of the role the applicant played in producing each publication.

  • A list of oral (seminar) and poster presentations in scientific meetings or conferences

• PDF copies of up to 3 publications 

• A list of 3 professional references qualified to assess the candidate. Provide name, title, affiliation, physical address, phone number, and email address for each.

Opportunities: If the successful applicant demonstrates strengths in research and an interest in pursuing a PhD, the employee will be given the opportunity, at the end of the 4th year of employment, to pursue a PhD under the supervision of Dr. L. T. Wilson and/or Dr. Y. Yang on a topic that is addressed by Drs. Wilson’s and Yang’s research program.

Supervision: The individual chosen for this position will be administratively responsible to Drs. L. T. Wilson and Y. Yang.

Resources and Facilities: The AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Beaumont is located on about 940 ac of land. The successful candidate will be provided with space, a computer, and a printer.

Position Duration: Funding for this position is provided on an annual basis conditional upon excellent performance and continued generation of funding support.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

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.