Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Overton

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Overton, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

This postdoctoral position is available at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton Texas . The successful candidate will collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary project team to conduct research on soil health and soil microbiomes in organic vegetable systems through laboratory and field experiments. Responsibilities will include coordinating the collection of soil and plant samples from various locations, conducting metagenomic assays and bioinformatics analyses to evaluate soil-microbiome-plant interactions, and assessing soil health and disease suppression properties. Additionally, the candidate may contribute to the development of sensor validation protocols for various soil health parameters, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil microbiome characteristics as part of additional project work. Position is grant funded; future employment is contingent upon future funding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the collection of soil and plant samples from various locations, conducts metagenomic assays and bioinformatics analyses to evaluate soil-microbiome-plant interactions, and assesses soil health and disease suppression properties.

• May contribute to the development of sensor validation protocols for various soil health parameters, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil microbiome characteristics as part of additional project work.

• Collaborate with researchers to design and conduct field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments.

• Participate in sampling, data collection, and analysis, including preparing and analyzing soil and plant samples.

• Perform metagenomic analysis on soil and plant samples, conduct bioinformatics analysis, and analyze other experimental data.

• Prepare project results for peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. degree in Soil Science or a related field.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Previous experience in laboratory and fieldwork, particularly in soil health and soil microbiology is preferred.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Proficiency with metagenomic techniques, bioinformatics, and data analysis.

• Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.

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.

As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service.If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you.

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/extension-home/)

• Texas A&M AgriLife Research

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/college-home/)

• Texas A&M Forest Service

• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/tvmdl-home/)

  Texas A&M AgriLife collaborates with Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and West Texas A&M University as well as with other public and private partners.

• Prospective employee benefits

• Retirement programs

• Commitment to inclusive excellence (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/)

• Strategic plan