Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Dallas

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Dallas, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for experimental design, conducting experiments, data recording, statistical data analyses, and interpretation. Screen germplasm of horticultural crops for trait discovery with the goal of breeding crops that thrive in CEs. Make crosses, population development, DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, PCR and qRT-PCR. Analyze genome resequencing, transcriptomic, and genotypic data to construct linkage maps, conduct QTL mapping and GWAS, gene expression analyses, marker development and validation.

The responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Screen germplasm of horticultural crops for trait discovery with the goal of breeding crops that thrive in CEs.

• Make crosses, population development, DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, PCR and qRT-PCR.

• Analyze genome resequencing, transcriptomic, and genotypic data to construct linkage maps, conduct QTL mapping and GWAS, gene expression analyses, marker development and validation.

• Experimental design, conduct experiments, data recording, statistical data analyses, and interpretation.

• Manuscript writing and publication in peer-reviewed journals, research presentation at scientific meetings

• Generate data and use them in grant proposals, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in writing grants, and submit reports to funding agencies

• Provide training and mentoring to graduate and undergraduate students

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in plant breeding, genetics or related field.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in plant breeding activities: germplasm screening, crossing, population development, data analyses (in R or SAS), and database management.

• Experience in conducting experiments in controlled environments and hydroponics.

• Expertise in molecular techniques: DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, qRT-PCR, marker design and validation, sequencing library preparations.

• Knowledge of Bioinformatics: genome resequencing and transcriptome data analyses, variant calling, QTL and GWAS analyses.

• A publication record in the field of breeding, genetics, or genomics.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Application Instructions:

An application must contain:

1. cover letter,

2. detailed curriculum vitae stating education, experience, and qualifications and

3. a list of three references with contact information as attachments to the completed application.

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.