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 Associate, under general supervision, is responsible for designing, planning, conducting, and coordinating molecular biology experiments for the laboratory's research projects, from field sample intake through nucleic acid extraction, sequencing, quality control, and data delivery. The research associate will apply established laboratory protocols, keep detailed records of data and quality control results, train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students, and summarize results for manuscripts, reports, and funding proposals.

Responsibilities:

• Design, plan, conduct, and coordinate molecular biology experiments in support of the laboratory's research projects, including sample processing and sequencing runs.

• Evaluate, select, and apply established protocols for nucleic acid extraction, sequencing library preparation, and targeted molecular assays, including quantitative PCR, across environmental, animal, and food sample types, and assist with protocol optimization for new sample types.

• Prepare next generation sequencing libraries and carry out sequencing runs on the laboratory's platforms, including nanopore instruments, and troubleshoot routine run problems.

• Perform quality control checks on input material and finished libraries against established acceptance criteria, keep detailed records of quality control data, and report results that fall outside specification to the principal investigator.

• Compile and analyze sequencing run metrics and assay data, carry out initial data processing (basecalling, demultiplexing, and read quality assessment), and prepare data packages for the laboratory's bioinformatics staff.

• Participate in field and farm sample collection, including cold chain handling, chain of custody documentation, and recording of sample metadata.

• Maintain sample inventories and detailed data records in line with the laboratory's data management policy.

• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in molecular methods, instrument operation, and quality control, and contribute to written standard operating procedures.

• Install, operate, and maintain sequencing and quality control instruments, including routine performance checks, and report service needs to the lab manager.

• Summarize results and prepare methods descriptions and figures for manuscripts and project reports, and assist with the preparation of funding proposals.

• Work with postdoctoral researchers, collaborators, and the lab manager on experiment timelines, reagent and consumable needs, and reporting of results.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a life science, chemistry, or a related field.
• Two years of related professional experience in molecular biology, molecular diagnostics, or a closely related field.
• Bench experience with nucleic acid extraction, quantitative PCR or next generation sequencing library preparation, and quality control of nucleic acids.
• Familiarity with standard molecular biology laboratory equipment and the ability to follow and apply established protocols.

• Ability to use computers and applicable software to manage data, perform statistical analyses, and present results.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work cooperatively with laboratory staff, students, and collaborators, with consistent record keeping and sample chain of custody.

• Clear written communication, including detailed laboratory records and technical summaries.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field.

• Experience operating nanopore sequencing instruments or short read sequencing platforms.

• Experience running quantitative PCR or digital PCR assays.

• Experience processing environmental, animal, or food samples, including low biomass samples and samples with high inhibitor loads.

• Familiarity with command line tools for basecalling, demultiplexing, and read quality assessment.

• Experience with automated liquid handling systems.

• Experience working under biosafety level 2 conditions.

• Contributions to peer reviewed publications or funding proposals.

• Experience training or mentoring students in laboratory methods.

Other Requirements:

• This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment is dependent upon ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.
• Training on the laboratory's specific instruments, workflows, and data management practices will be provided.

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. 

Required Documents: 

• CV / Resume 
• Cover Letter 

• List of References

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.