Research Associate

Job Title

Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Beaumont

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Beaumont, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Research Associate performs independent or supervisory roles in research activities requiring an advanced level of knowledge and provide technical support for breeding and research work to the professional staff, and require consistent use of discretion and judgment. Evaluates, selects, and applies standard and advanced scientific techniques used in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory functions. Prepares proposals for funding agencies, operation of research equipment, supervision of graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts seed and land preparation and planting of research trials and breeding nurseries in the field and greenhouse, manages the crop growth through the season (e.g., irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide application), and harvests for yield or plant samples.

• Collects samples and measures data from research trials and breeding nurseries. Collects and summarizes crop management information of research trials and breeding nurseries.

• Conducts and records yield and quality (using grain analyzers) measurements. Compiles the data using Excel and Word.

• Clean seeds, plant and manage crossing blocks.

• Assists in making crosses for the development of new breeding populations.

• Operates and maintains the functionality of field (e.g., tractors, planters, combine harvester, threshers, and backhoe) and lab technical equipment (e.g., rice dehullers, mills, and whiteness and moisture meters).

• Assist in conducting research and writing program and journal manuscript

• Plants, harvest and takes data in off station yield trials.

• Trains and assigns tasks as necessary to student workers and co-workers under his supervision

• Travels Puerto Rico for harvesting plant materials.

• Assists staff members in conducting major field experiments and consults in developing procedures.

• Contribute to taking data, writing reports and publishing manuscripts

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

• Two years of related experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform responsibilities listed above, such as: growing, managing, and harvesting rice and samples in field and greenhouse nurseries or experiments; data measurement and compilation; and operating and maintaining field and lab equipment.

• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.

• Ensure attention to detail.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.

• Ability to exert heavy force.

• Ability to work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

• Requires out of state travel.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION

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.