Job Title
Research Assistant
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Animal Science
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
College Station, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
About Texas A&M AgriLife
Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
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 joining AgriLife!
Position Information
Job Summary:
The Research Assistant is responsible for preparing sequencing libraries and run quality control for the laboratory's sequencing platforms, managing multiple samples across concurrent projects, and support field and on-farm sample collection for the laboratory's biosurveillance work.
Responsibilities:
Support field and on-farm sample collection, including preparation of sampling kits, labeling, cold chain handling, and transport of samples back to the laboratory.
Record sample collection metadata and assist with field sampling logistics and scheduling.
Prepare next generation sequencing libraries from extracted nucleic acids, following established protocols.
Perform nucleic acid extraction and handling across a range of sample types.
Run quality control on input material and finished libraries, including fluorescent quantification and automated electrophoresis (Fragment Analyzer, Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, or comparable).
Operate and maintain the laboratory's sequencing platforms, including nanopore instruments, and run the associated quality control workflows.
Organize, label, and track samples across multiple concurrent projects, maintaining accurate records and sample chain of custody.
Keep consistent documentation and contribute to laboratory data management practices.
Support reagent and consumable inventory and general laboratory upkeep.
Coordinate with project teams to schedule sequencing runs and report results.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a life science, chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, including nucleic acid extraction and handling.
Familiarity with next generation sequencing library preparation, or closely related benchwork.
Careful quality control of input material, consistent record keeping, and attention to detail.
The ability to organize and track samples across several projects at once.
Preferred Qualifications:
Direct experience preparing sequencing libraries.
Nucleic acid quality control through fluorescent quantification and automated electrophoresis, on a Fragment Analyzer, Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, or comparable instrument.
Experience with sequencing library kits and automated liquid handling.
Other Requirements:
Platform-specific training on our nanopore instruments and quality control workflow will be provided.
This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment is dependent upon ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.
What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation is commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications.
Position Funding: This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment is dependent upon ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.
Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship: Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued…