What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Scientist position at Texas A&M AgriLife?
Job Title
Research Scientist
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Ecology & Conservation Biology
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
College Station, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Major/Essential Duties of Job:
- Develop and undertake targeted and agnostic Illumina and Nanopore sequencing approaches for assessing microbiome diversity and detection of avian-borne pathogens of medical and veterinary importance using a variety of sample types (vertebrate/invertebrate, host/vector, environmental).
- Design and develop advanced bioinformatic workflows for microbiome, population genetic and phylogenetic analyses using whole genome, meta-genomic and meta-transcriptomic data.
- Develop PCR, qPCR, rt-PCR assays as appropriate to detect and characterize avian-mediated pathogens and newly discovered variants, ensuring precise and reliable diagnostic tools.
- Undertake molecular identification and characterization (including systematics, phylogeny/ biogeography) of birds, and associated pathogens and vectors of medical and veterinary importance.
- Explore the role of bird host and vector phylogeny, population genetics and ecology in shaping pathogen diversity and dynamics.
- Investigate the potential for migratory birds to mediate important invasive and exotic arthropod vectors and pathogens along the principal migratory flyways in the United States.
- Undertake fieldwork as needed to trap and sample birds and their arthropod vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, midges, tabanids, hippoboscids, ticks), under a range of diverse and potentially extreme field conditions.
- Submit at least two scientific publications per year to high-quality, peer-reviewed journals as first or senior author, actively participate in seminars, and present scientific results at national / international conferences each year.
- Establish and supervise laboratory processes, adhering to appropriate biosafety protocols.
- Take an active role in the laboratory culture, brainstorming best approaches, training junior staff and contributing to reports, and grant submissions as requested.
- Other duties as required.
Required Education and Experience:
Ph.D. in related field
- Six years of related experience.
Preferred Experience:
Strong background in bioinformatics and meta-omics, demonstrated relevant publication record (with senior authorship of some products), demonstrated field work involving avian sampling, minimum 5 years post-doctoral experience or equivalent. Prior research experience in molecular microbiology, and/or medical/veterinary entomology.
Required special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
Experience and publication record in meta-omics (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics) and pathogen characterization.
Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.
Preferred special knowledge, abilities and skills:
Team player with experience guiding junior staff in lab and analytical processes.
Good communication and computer knowledge.
Please attach Cover Letter, CV/Resume, Letter of Interest, contact information for 2 References, 2 representative senior author papers related to the job description & other documents. Any questions, please contact Dr. Gary Voelker @
gary.voelker@ag.tamu.edu
This is a grant funded position. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon availability of funds.
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.
