Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Food Science & Technology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

• The primary responsibility of this position is to conduct laboratory experiments as it relates to projects supporting the National Center for Electron Beam Research in general and the Food and Environmental Microbiology program specifically
• The scientist will be required to design, plan, coordinate and conduct experiments associated with the different funded/unfunded projects
• The scientist should be capable of operating routine laboratory equipment
• The scientist will be required to compile the results of the different experiments and prepare them for scientific presentation and for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• The laboratory experiments will involve microbiology or molecular microbiology or molecular biology techniques and protocols
• The laboratory experiments could also involve alanine dosimetry, B3 film dosimetry and gafchromic film dosimetry
• The scientist should already possess skills as it relates to bacterial cell culture, mammalian cell culture, gene amplification techniques, cloning etc.
• The scientist should be willing to acquire skills related to “omics” technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics
• The laboratory experiments will involve bacteriology, virology and protozoology as needed
• The scientist will have to be responsible for conducting and/or overseeing different experiments related to the topic of eBeam and ionizing technologies
• The scientist will be required to provide oversight of the laboratory’s activities as and when needed
• The scientist as part of his/her roles and responsibilities will take on the role of the Laboratory Manager and will involve supervisory activities (listed below)
• The scientist will have responsibility to ensure the safe operations of the laboratory and therefore will be the delegate to the PI in terms of biological safety and environmental health and safety
• Given that the scientist plays the role of a laboratory manager he/she will be responsible for ensuring that all SOPs and protocols are up to date and that everyone in the laboratory adheres to these protocols
• The scientist will be required as needed to develop QA measures in the laboratory
• The scientist should as needed identify the necessary personnel or entities to repair equipment as and when needed
• The scientist should demonstrate ability to carry out duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision. However, it is critical that the scientist confers with the PI on a regular basis to ensure that the projects are on time and on budget
• The scientist should be able to develop productive research collaborations with researchers around the campus and elsewhere
• The scientist should be able to function independently and productively
• The scientist should be able to supervise undergraduate students, graduate students and also as needed on occasion supervise other post doctoral scientists
• The scientist on occasion may be called upon to travel, assist with the organization of technical workshops and assist with hosting national and international visitors
• The ability to multi-task is a key pre-requisite of this position
• The scientist may be asked to manage the different activities in the laboratory on as needed basis

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned Ph.D. in either microbiology, virology, veterinary sciences, biology, or any STEM field that is related to the research activities being pursued in the food and environmental microbiology program
• Demonstrated experience in microbiology/virology/molecular biology
• Strong computer competencies with contemporary communication tools such as emails, video conferencing, and messaging
• Strong communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Practical hands-on knowledge with eBeam technology and dosimetry

Expectations

• Strong service ethic and desire to work with all client groups regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin
• Must have access to personal vehilce and obtain/maintain valid Driver's license and appropriate liability insurance
• Travel connected with official duties may be required. This may include attendance at night and/or weekend meetings, participation in out-of-county events
• Be involved in the organization and execution of annual hands-on eBeam and X-ray workshops as needed

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 committed to diversity.