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Job Title

Research Technician

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Stephenville

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

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

+ Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/)

+ Texas A&M AgriLife Research

+ College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University (https://aglifesciences.tamu.edu/)

+ Texas A&M Forest Service

+ Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (https://tvmdl.tamu.edu/)

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences 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, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/) to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

The Research Technician I, under general supervision performs entry level, semi-skilled, technical support research work involving performance of routine tasks.

Responsibilities

+ Collects samples and measurement data from experiments. Implements and maintains data collection and summarization of field trials.

+ Participate in sample processing by retrieving samples, ensuring samples are properly accessioned, entering case data into database, ensuring samples are fit for purpose of test, review submittal forms and interpret test requests/client instructions, initiate resolution of errors, file/catalog positive samples, slides, paraffin blocks, specimens or other diagnostic material, mix reagents and buffers, package and ship samples to other labs, maintain supplies for a research laboratory

+ Coordinate testing, perform quality control and/or maintenance of equipment, perform advanced test methods requiring subjective evaluation and analysis of controls required, troubleshoot routine assay and instrument problems, serve as subject matter specialist for specific test methods/techniques, prepare reagents, standards and controls, answer complex/advanced questions about tests

+ Process and test microbiological samples by culturing, qPCR

+ Ability for advanced chemical analysis for environmental samples

+ Collect plant/soil/water samples for genomic testing

+ Conduct DNA/RNA extractions from a variety of sample types

+ Create sequencing libraries for next-generation DNA sequencing experiments

+ Conduct qPCR analyses to detect DNA targets

+ Extract antibiotics from soil/water and test by HPLC and ELISA

+ Conduct tests of antimicrobial activities of biochar

+ Evaluate biotoxicity and environmental toxicity from soil and water samples

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

+ High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.

+ Two years of related experience.

+ Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.

+ Skilled in use of relevant laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.

+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

+ Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ B .S. in chemistry, soil science, microbiology, biology, animal science, environmental science preferred.

+ Experience with research and publication in one or more of the following research areas: animal/microbe interactions, production, characterization and applications of biochar for agriculture and environmental processes, agronomic studies of biochar, bioremediation, water quality, greenhouse gas studies.

Other Requirements:

+ Ability to lift moderately heavy objects. Ability to exert heavy force.

+ Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

+ Some travel may be required.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. This is an hourly paid position.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

+ Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/) with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

+ 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

+ Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

+ Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

+ Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife 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 prepopulate 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/Veterans/Disability Employer.