Assistant Research Scientist

Job Title

Assistant Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Entomology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Texas A&M veterinary entomology laboratory focuses on the development of new pest management tools for livestock systems. Beef cattle, dairy cattle and horses are the predominant livestock in Texas and are a focus of this program; while investigations on improvement for ectoparasite management on companion animals and wildlife are a second focus. Insecticide resistance and control failures are commonplace for many fly and tick pests; therefore, innovative systems are needed to assist in their management. However, to successfully manage these pests, studies investigating their biology and ecology are needed. The role that biological control can play in assisting with pest control is another research avenue. Producer pesticide selection and the resultant impacts on non-target, beneficial arthropods in grazing systems are of particular interest.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct research activities on integrated pest management in livestock, companion animal and wildlife systems in field and laboratory environments. Duties will include laboratory management, grant writing, cooperator relations, arthropod colony supervision, design of field and molecular experiments, author scholastic publications, and establish and supervise work conducted under university research compliance and biosafety system protocols. Will assist in the supervision of technical staff and undergraduate student workers and may assist and supervise graduate and undergraduate student research.

• Record and analyze data/results; report research through regular oral presentations and published in a timely manner in refereed journals; assist with research grant project reports; and keep abreast of all current literature on subject matter, etc.

• Other job related duties as required/needed.

Required Education:

Ph.D. in entomology, parasitology, biology, or a closely related field.

Preferred Experience:

Demonstrated research experience/background in entomology/parasitology, and molecular biology techniques.

Successful manuscript writing experience, experience with arthropod rearing, livestock handling and husbandry systems.

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• Knowledge of various molecular biology and genetic techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, qPCR, high resolution melting analysis, gel electrophoresis.

• Familiarity with bioassays for detecting resistance to pesticides.

• Experience with biting and non-biting flies and ticks of medical and veterinary entomology.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong recordkeeping.

• Ability to effectively communicate with faculty, students, and staff.

• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory, farm and/or technical equipment.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

• Ability to analyze data and write reports.

• Detail oriented with ability to organize tasks and prioritize work with minimal supervision.

• Understanding and maintaining a safe working environment in the laboratory and at field research settings.

Other Requirements or Other Factors:

• Work may require standing/sitting at work bench for extended periods of time.

• Work occasionally requires hot, outdoor environments in remote areas.

• Must be willing to work with animals in a research environment.

• Overnight and weekend travel associated with research or presenting research results at conferences may occasionally be required.

Please attach to your completed application:

• Cover letter stating qualifications and interests in the position

• Complete C.V.

• Names, affiliation, email address and daytime phone number for 3 professional references, along with the relationship to the candidate (supervisor, mentor, etc.).

Tentative Starting date is November 01, 2024.

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.