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Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Entomology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Job Responsibilities:

-Design and conduct experiments with honey bees and their associated parasites and pathogens.-Apply molecular biology, microbiology, and omics-based approaches to study host-microbe-pathogen interactions.-Maintain detailed laboratory records and organize computational work in the cloud.-Write manuscripts and take the lead in publishing scientific data in peer-reviewed journals.-Mentor undergraduate students and collaborate closely with other researchers in a collaborative environment.-Read scientific literature and present in journal clubs and lab meetings.-Assist with colony maintenance and routine laboratory and apiary tasks.-Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education:- Ph.D. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Entomology, or a related field. Preferred Education:- Ph.D. with a research focus in insect-microbe interactions, host–pathogen dynamics, or honey bee biology .Preferred Experience: -Experience in molecular biology and microbiology techniques. -Experience analyzing omics data using bioinformatic tools. -Proven record of publishing first-author peer-reviewed papers. - Experience working with honey bee biology and/or beekeeping practices. -Prior mentoring of undergraduate or graduate students. Required skills, knowledge or abilities:- Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills. -High attention to detail and commitment to laboratory safety. -Ability to handle and lift laboratory and beekeeping equipment. -Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster collaboration across departments and facilities. -Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Preferred skills, knowledge or abilities: -Familiarity with honey bee experimental systems.

Please attach to your completed application: • Curriculum Vita (including contact information from three professional references) • Cover letter detailing your research experience, qualifications, and interest in the position Review of applications will begin in August 2025, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until filled. Lab Resources: The Motta research program is equipped with two BSL-2 laboratory environments to safely work with animal-associated opportunistic pathogens and to conduct infection experiments in honey bees. Our laboratory supports a wide range of microbial cultivation, including aerobic, anaerobic, and microaerophilic bacteria. Facilities include: • Anaerobic chamber and CO2 incubators • Biosafety cabinets and growth chambers • Molecular biology space equipped with PCR, qPCR, and laminar flow hoods • External apiary located near the lab building, containing honey bee hives used as a consistent brood source for experiments. This infrastructure enables both in vitro and in vivo experimentation to investigate the microbiome and host-pathogen interactions in a controlled and safe environment. The Rangel research program is equipped with a BSL-1 laboratory space on the university’s main campus to safely work with insect-associated opportunistic pathogens and to conduct infection and molecular experiments with honey bees. The program also manages a large apiary and laboratory facility at the RELLIS campus of Texas A&M University, which enables the management and manipulation of live honey bee colonies. Institutional Resources: Texas A&M University is a public, land-grant institution that promotes interdisciplinary research across agriculture, life sciences, engineering, and medicine. The campus offers exceptional research infrastructure through a number of core facilities, including: • AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics Service (https://www.txgen.tamu.edu/) • Molecular Genomics Core Facility (https://research.tamu.edu/facility/molecular-genomics-core/) • High-Performance Research Computing (HPRC) (http://hprc.tamu.edu/) • Microscopy and Imaging Center (https://microscopy.tamu.edu/) • Integrated Metabolomics Analysis Core (https://imac.tamu.edu/) • Chemistry Mass Spectrometry Facility (https://research.tamu.edu/facility/chemistry-mass-spectrometry-facility/) About the Community: Texas A&M University is located in College Station, a vibrant university town that, together with its twin city Bryan, forms a metropolitan area of approximately 275,000 residents. The region offers a high quality of life with affordable living, excellent schools, cultural activities, and easy access to major cities like Houston, Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, and San Antonio.

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.