Postdoctoral Research Associate

External applicants can apply for the position by going to the website below:

https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/AgriLife_Research_External/job/College-Station-TX/Postdoctoral-ResearchAssociate_R-080634

Position description: The postdoc will take the lead on a project that characterizes the activity of small molecules on arthropod neuropeptide receptors. They will develop and execute research to determine the efficacy, inhibitory or agonistic activity of these molecules. This will involve undertaking chemical library screens on recombinant arthropod receptors expressed in cell lines, RNAi studies to knockdown peptides and receptors to determine their physiological role and quantifying silencing by qRT-PCR, immunolocalization of labeling analyses with tissues. Individuals with a strong background in molecular biology are encouraged to apply. The postdoc will be the first author on two or more publications and will receive opportunities to write grants and mentor graduate and undergraduate students. The successful candidate will possess excellent organizational skills, technical writing skills, interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to meet deadlines. The work will require short periods of travel to Edinburg, TX to complete work with ticks such as dissections or receptor labeling of fresh tissues. Candidates with a US driving license are highly desirable. Excellent technological environment is present in the laboratory with most if not all equipment present on site.

Required qualifications: PhD degree in entomology, parasitology, biology, molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, developmental biology, entomology, toxicology, or a relevant field (degree should be obtained prior to start date). Candidates must have significant experience in quantitative biochemical calculations for techniques such as cell culture, qRT-PCR, or immunohistochemistry.

Closing date: Applications will be taken until the position is filled. For best consideration, apply by January 30, 2025. Ideal position start date is February 1st, 2025.

Application materials: Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and a list of three references.

More details :

Posted: 01-07-2025 or before

Location: College Station, Texas

Type: Full Time

Salary: $50,000

Categories:

Salary Details:

Internal Number:

Duties/Responsibilities:

Primary focus will be on arthropod physiology, toxicology, and molecular biology with emphasis on G-protein coupled receptor functional characterization. We are discovering ligands of GPCRs and testing them in tissues and whole animals for bioactivity. Endocrinological studies are performed with mosquitoes and tick tissues in vitro and in vivo. The postdoc will take the lead on a project that characterizes the activity of small molecules on arthropod neuropeptide receptors. They will develop and execute research to determine the efficacy, inhibitory or agonistic activity of these molecules. This will involve undertaking chemical library screens on recombinant arthropod receptors expressed in cell lines, RNAi studies to knockdown peptides and receptors to determine their physiological role and quantifying silencing by qRT-PCR, immunolocalization of labeling analyses with tissues.

- Record and analyze data/results; report research through regular oral presentations and reports and publish in a timely manner in refereed journals; assist with research grant project reports; and keep abreast of all current literature on subject matter, etc. Contribute to the success and renewal of federally funded projects.

Work involves mammalian cell culture and use of robots for high-throughput screens (experience desirable but will be trained on this). Duties will include cloning and functional expression analysis of tick and fire ant G-protein coupled receptors in mammalian cells; calcium fluorescence and bioluminescence assays, histochemistry, quantitative (Real-time PCR), etc.; and supervision of technical staff, graduate and undergraduate students.

-Conduct research with mosquitoes of public health importance. Conduct research with ticks of medical and/or agricultural importance. Conduct feeding and pesticide mosquito bioassays in the laboratory.

- Other job-related duties as required.

Required Education:

Ph.D. in Entomology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biology, Animal Physiology, or other closely related field.

Required Experience:

Some related research experience. Publications.

Preferred Experience:

Demonstrated research experience/background in bioassays, molecular biology techniques (including qRT-PCR, cloning, basic microbiology, and western blot), experimental design and basic statistical analysis. Experience with histochemistry and/or cellular techniques (tissue culture); manuscript writing experience; and have a peer-reviewed publication record. An interest in arthropod neurobiology and physiology, and experience with mosquitoes and/or other blood feeders highly desirable. Must know biochemical calculations to prepare buffers, media, solutions and correct dilutions of small molecules and peptides.

Preferred Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Able to analyze data statistically with either GraphPad Prism, or R, SAS.

Other Requirements or Other Factors:

Ability to travel to South Texas and Harris County. For this travel, a USA driver license may be required if not immediately, shortly upon hire. If not able to drive will be required to accompany other researchers for tasks at the Edinburg USDA-ARS for a few days.

Ability to work in a biosafety level 2 laboratory which requires certification for this level at TAMU.

Continuation in the position will depend on performance and funds availability.

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Required are independence of thought; excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively use personal computer to communicate, prepare proposals and reports of activities; ability to effectively communicate with faculty, students and staff; familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment; ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others; ability to perform various molecular biology and genetic techniques; ability to analyze data and write reports; and detail oriented with ability to organize tasks and prioritize work with minimal supervision. Ability to work by standing/sitting at work bench for extended periods of time.

Please attach to your complete application:

Vita