What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate (Position located in Reno, Oklahoma.) position at Texas A&M AgriLife?
Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Position located in Reno, Oklahoma.)
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Vernon
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Vernon, 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 how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!
Position Information
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with the project leader (Dr. William Pinchak, Professor Grazing Beef Nutrition and Sustainable Land Management) on research projects related to the development of a systems biology centric research model to identify cattle phenotypes and management better adapted to increasingly variable climate conditions in the Southern Great Plains. This position is based at the USDA-ARS Grazinglands Research Laboratory at El Reno, Oklahoma.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct research related to:
I) Characterize and elucidate seasonal rumen microbiome dynamics of cattle grazing Tall Grass and Mixed Grass ecosystems and forage systems of the Southern Great Plains,
II) Discover and quantify biological mechanisms, genetics, behaviors, biomarkers associated with inter-animal variation in economically relevant traits,
III) Dam effects on calf gut microbiome, performance and methane emissions under grazing conditions.
- Coordinate and conduct the collection, processing and analyzing samples of cattle microbiomes (rumen, fecal. oral, nasal, etc.). Collection and nutritive analyses of forage standing crop.
- Coordinate, collect and analyze cattle weights, blood and hair samples, body condition scores, and reproductive performance data.
- Carries out complex and responsible assignments in support of program research objectives as directed by the supervisor.
- Perform other duties as necessary and assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Earned PhD in Animal Science or Rumen Microbiology at time of appointment.
- Extensive experience in all phases of cow-calf and stocker cattle production.
- Working knowledge of ruminant metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics and metabolomics.
- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
- Ability to communicate fluently in English.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Beef cattle research experimental design.
- Demonstrated success in publishing scientific research in peer reviewed scientific journals.
Other Requirements:
This position is based at the USDA-ARS Grazinglands Research Laboratory at El Reno, Oklahoma. Willingness to work irregular hours and in sometimes adverse weather conditions. Willingness to transfer to other research projects that could be funded during the project duration. Occasional overnight travel will be required. Lifting or moving heavy weight items such as 50 lbs. or more.
What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.
Position Funding: This position is grant funded and availability is contingent on grant funding.
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. To learn more about the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Vernon click
here
.
In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit packing including the following:
- Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurancewith Texas A&M AgriLife 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
- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
- Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife
Applicant Instructions
Please combine:
I) a cover letter clearly explaining your research interests/experience and suitability for the advertised position (2 pages maximum),
II) an updated CV, and
III) a list of three references into a single PDF document and upload it.
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.
