Job Title
Research Assistant
Agency
Texas A&M University
Department
Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
College Station, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Our Commitment
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values.
Who we are
The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) includes the Small Animal Hospital http://vethospital.tamu.edu/small-animal-hospital and the Large Animal Hospital http://vethospital.tamu.edu/large-animal-hospital, both of which are dedicated to the total well-being and care of a pet throughout its lifetime. We work with great people, great clinicians, and great educators with a passion for animals and educating others that allows us to provide total care for animal patients while helping to train the next generation of veterinarians at the only veterinary teaching hospital in the state of Texas!
What we want
The Research Assistant will be assisting with various aspects of ongoing research working in the Veterinary Education, Research and Outreach lab which is located in Canyon, Texas. Assists and oversees various research activities including DNA extraction, DNA purification/quantification, and preparation of sequencing libraries and is expected to be proficient in training students to perform these same techniques and to achieve proficiency in new techniques as needed.
The selected candidate will subscribe to and support our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) as stated above. If the description sounds interesting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity.
What you need to know
Location: The position is located in Canyon, Texas.
COVID-19 information: Texas A&M University monitors and updates our recruiting, hiring and onboarding processes to align with local, state and federally mandated health guidelines to keep employees, prospective employees, and visitors as safe as possible. Each department has established both remote and in-person procedures for conducting these processes, which include sanitizing common spaces, a mask policy, and maintaining safe physical distancing to the extent possible. Departments will provide the procedures to be followed at each step of the recruiting process.
Required Education and Experience:
- Appropriate bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant science-related major (e.g. Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biology)
- Experience in preparing sequencing libraries for next-generation sequencing
- Experience in the use of sequencing instrumentation
- Experience in conducting of qPCR assays
- Previous experience working with samples related to agriculture and biology such as feces, respiratory secretions, soil, water, animal feed, and food products (e.g., meat)
- Experience in conducting research related to microbiology and microbial ecology, particularly microbiome research
- Experience in molecular biology techniques are highly desirable, especially those related to high-throughput genomic sequencing
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of conducting research related to microbiology and microbial ecology, particularly microbiome research
- Knowledge of agriculture and/or food production systems
- Demonstrated ability to learn new protocols and train others to use these protocols
- Troubleshooting of standard protocols
- Prioritization of assigned laboratory work to meet deadlines
- Skills in molecular biology techniques are highly desirable, especially those related to high-throughput genomic sequencing
Responsibilities:
Laboratory Activities
Processes samples of varied types in preparation for molecular biology analyses, including sample sorting, weighing, and centrifugation. Performs DNA extractions and other DNA manipulations such as determining quality and quantity. Operate various lab equipment, including: Covaris, TapeStation, Qubit, Nanodrop, autoclave, centrifuge. Prepares sequencing libraries for next-generation sequencing. Conduct qPCR assays. Troubleshoots routine lab problems, consulting available scientific literature when necessary. Learns and implements new lab protocols as needed. Assists with method development. Assists with sample collection and processing as required.
Research Activities and Support
Assures that samples are properly stored, organized, and inventoried. Works with other lab members to streamline lab work flow. Keeps stock of lab inventory and identify supplies that need ordered. Ensures that lab is clean and organized. Implement best molecular biology practices to minimize sample cross- contamination. Assists with project management and planning for lab work. Assists and oversees various research activities, including but not limited to: management of laboratory supplies and equipment, collection of samples, organization and management of sample inventory, sample preparation and preservation, DNA extraction, DNA purification/quantification, preparation of sequencing libraries, aerobic culture, cell culture, qPCR, and management of research data. Trains students to perform these same techniques, and to achieve proficiency in new techniques as needed.
Data/Project Management
Creates and maintains project-specific inventories for various types of sample data. Facilitates data entry and management by other lab members performing lab work.
Communications
Communicates with lab manager and other laboratory staff on a daily basis to ensure successful completion of laboratory research, compliance with protocols, and selection of best troubleshooting approaches. Trains other lab members in various research techniques and protocols. Produces written laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures as needed and keep them updated to ensure uniformity of lab work.
Other
Performs other assigned duties.
Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University and TAMHSC, must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online 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 committed to diversity.