Job Title Research Specialist I Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Plant Pathology & Microbiology Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description Responsibilities: + Experimental design & execution - plan and conduct molecular biology, plant transformation, and tissue-culture workflows, + Perform pathogen and nematode disease assays, + Collect and analyze phenotypic and molecular data. + Advanced analytical techniques - operate and maintain HPLC, GC/GC-MS, LC-MS, and NMR instruments to profile secondary metabolites (e.g.sesquiterpenoids). + Genomics & bioinformatics - extract high-quality DNA/RNA from challenging plant/fungal tissues, + Carry out PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, cloning, and sequence analysis, + Curate datasets in Sequencher, FieldBook, and JMP. + Lab management & compliance - oversee chemical and biosafety-level 1 procedures, + Maintain equipment (growth chambers, imaging systems), + Manage inventories + Mentor undergraduate assistants. + Reporting & Communication - draft SOPs, technical reports, and manuscript sections; prepare figures; present findings at internal and external meetings. + Performs other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience: + Bachelor's Degree in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field. + Four years of related experience. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: + Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. + Detail oriented. + Ability to work in a collaborative research environment, + Excellent verbal and written communication skills. + Ability to communicate effectively with others. Preferred Skills, Knowledge, or Abilities: + Lab management skills: chemical safety, record-keeping, ordering, equipment upkeep. + Ability to mentor junior personnel. + Software skills: Fieldbook or equivalent electronic notebook, ImageJ, Microsoft Office, basic statistical analysis in JMP/R/Excel. + At least 5 years hands on research experience in a molecular-plant science laboratory OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the competencies listed below: + Plant genetic transformation and tissue-culture maintenance (cotton or other crops), + DNA/RNA isolation from recalcitrant tissues and downstream PCR/qPCR workflows, + Design and execution fo plant disease assys with fungi, bacteria, and/or nematodes, + Proficiency with at least one chromatographic or spectrometric platform (HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR). + Experience with Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, Verticillium dahliae, Xanthomonas citri, or plant-parasitic nematodes. + Familiarity with gene-editing or gene silencing technologies and defense-chemistry pathways (e.g. gossypol, FOV7) + Demonstrated record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations. + Working knowledge of bar-coding/labeling software (e.g., BarTender) and high throughput phenotyping or imaging systems. 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.