Agency

Department

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 joining AgriLife!

Position Information

Job Summary:

The Research Assistant is responsible for preparing sequencing libraries and run quality control for the laboratory's sequencing platforms, managing multiple samples across concurrent projects, and support field and on-farm sample collection for the laboratory's biosurveillance work.

Responsibilities:

• Support field and on-farm sample collection, including preparation of sampling kits, labeling, cold chain handling, and transport of samples back to the laboratory.

• Record sample collection metadata and assist with field sampling logistics and scheduling.

• Prepare next generation sequencing libraries from extracted nucleic acids, following established protocols.

• Perform nucleic acid extraction and handling across a range of sample types.

• Run quality control on input material and finished libraries, including fluorescent quantification and automated electrophoresis (Fragment Analyzer, Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, or comparable).

• Operate and maintain the laboratory's sequencing platforms, including nanopore instruments, and run the associated quality control workflows.

• Organize, label, and track samples across multiple concurrent projects, maintaining accurate records and sample chain of custody.

• Keep consistent documentation and contribute to laboratory data management practices.

• Support reagent and consumable inventory and general laboratory upkeep.

• Coordinate with project teams to schedule sequencing runs and report results.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a life science, chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, including nucleic acid extraction and handling.
• Familiarity with next generation sequencing library preparation, or closely related benchwork.

• Careful quality control of input material, consistent record keeping, and attention to detail.

• The ability to organize and track samples across several projects at once.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience preparing sequencing libraries.
• Nucleic acid quality control through fluorescent quantification and automated electrophoresis, on a Fragment Analyzer, Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, or comparable instrument.

• Experience with sequencing library kits and automated liquid handling.

Other Requirements:  

• Platform-specific training on our nanopore instruments and quality control workflow will be provided.
• This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment is dependent upon ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.

What You Need to Know

Salary:  Compensation is commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications.

Position Funding: This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment is dependent upon ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.

Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship: Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Benefits and Leave:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)

• 12–15 annual paid holidays

• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Employee Wellness Initiative

• Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs

How to Apply

Applications must include all job application data or a complete resume. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applicants are encouraged to upload a resume or use LinkedIn to prepopulate application fields.

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/Veterans/Disability Employer.