Job Title Research Scientist Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Ecology & Conservation Biology Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description Major/Essential Duties of Job: • Develop and undertake targeted and agnostic Illumina and Nanopore sequencing approaches for assessing microbiome diversity and detection of avian-borne pathogens of medical and veterinary importance using a variety of sample types (vertebrate/invertebrate, host/vector, environmental).• Design and develop advanced bioinformatic workflows for microbiome, population genetic and phylogenetic analyses using whole genome, meta-genomic and meta-transcriptomic data.• Develop PCR, qPCR, rt-PCR assays as appropriate to detect and characterize avian-mediated pathogens and newly discovered variants, ensuring precise and reliable diagnostic tools.• Undertake molecular identification and characterization (including systematics, phylogeny/ biogeography) of birds, and associated pathogens and vectors of medical and veterinary importance.• Explore the role of bird host and vector phylogeny, population genetics and ecology in shaping pathogen diversity and dynamics.• Investigate the potential for migratory birds to mediate important invasive and exotic arthropod vectors and pathogens along the principal migratory flyways in the United States.• Undertake fieldwork as needed to trap and sample birds and their arthropod vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, midges, tabanids, hippoboscids, ticks), under a range of diverse and potentially extreme field conditions.• Submit at least two scientific publications per year to high-quality, peer-reviewed journals as first or senior author, actively participate in seminars, and present scientific results at national / international conferences each year.• Establish and supervise laboratory processes, adhering to appropriate biosafety protocols.• Take an active role in the laboratory culture, brainstorming best approaches, training junior staff and contributing to reports, and grant submissions as requested. -Other duties as required. Required Education and Experience: Ph.D. in related field -Six years of related experience. Preferred Experience: Strong background in bioinformatics and meta-omics, demonstrated relevant publication record (with senior authorship of some products), demonstrated field work involving avian sampling, minimum 5 years post-doctoral experience or equivalent. Prior research experience in molecular microbiology, and/or medical/veterinary entomology. Required special knowledge, abilities, and skills: Experience and publication record in meta-omics (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics) and pathogen characterization. Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others. Preferred special knowledge, abilities and skills: Team player with experience guiding junior staff in lab and analytical processes. Good communication and computer knowledge. Please attach Cover Letter, CV/Resume, Letter of Interest, c ontact information for 2 References, 2 representative senior author papers related to the job description & other documents. Any questions, please contact Dr. Gary Voelker @ gary.voelker@ag.tamu.edu This is a grant funded position. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon availability of funds. 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.