Job Details

Job Title
Research Associate

Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department
Food Science & Technology

Proposed Minimum Salary
$22.11 hourly

Job Location
College Station, Texas

Job Type
Staff

Job Description

Research Associate (part-time) to support ongoing projects in environmental microbiology. Work on developing and applying advanced laboratory techniques to study microbial inactivation, environmental contaminants, and toxicological impacts. This position requires hands-on laboratory experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Responsibilities:
- Optimize and apply fluorescent microscopic methods for visualizing electron beam (eBeam) inactivated microbial cells.

- Assist in preparing, staining, and imaging microbial samples to evaluate structural and functional changes post-treatment.

- Maintain accurate records of microscopy protocols, results, and image analyses.
- Perform Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis of environmental samples (Eg: soil, sediment, and waste water).
- Ensure proper calibration, operation, and maintenance of TOC instrumentation.
- Analyze and interpret data to assess organic matter levels and contamination profiles

- Conduct toxicity studies of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-treated sediments using standardized laboratory assays.

- Prepare and manage sediment samples for bioassays and chemical analysis.
- Record, analyze, and report findings on the ecological and toxicological impact of PFAS exposure.

- Assist in designing experimental protocols and contribute to method development.
- Maintain laboratory notebooks, follow safety and compliance standards, and contribute to lab organization.
- Support data analysis, preparation of technical reports, and contributions to manuscripts or presentations.

-Other duties as required.

Required Education and Experience:
-Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or relevant field
-Two years of related professional experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

- Masters's degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or relevant field

- Hands-on experience with microbial culture, staining, and fluorescent microscopy.

- Experience with environmental sample analysis and analytical skills such as HPLC, LC-MS

- Experience with Molecular techniques and assay development

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment

- Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases, perform statistical analyses, present data and perform other computer related tasks.

- Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Familiarity with different microscopy methods and image analysis techniques

- Ability to conduct toxicity studies or bioassays, analyze data.

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.