• Research Associate

    Texas A&M University System (College Station, TX)


    Job Title

     

    Research Associate

     

    Agency

     

    Texas A&M Agrilife Research

     

    Department

     

    Nutrition

     

    Proposed Minimum Salary

     

    Commensurate

     

    Job Location

     

    College Station, Texas

     

    Job Type

     

    Staff

    Job Description

    The research associate is responsible for operations of the lab and contributes to biomedical research that examines gut-brain interactions in the context of aging and chronic diseases. The Wu lab uses mice models and cell culture in our research, including cell lines and primary cell cultures. Our research approaches include metabolic phenotyping, neurobehavior tests, cellular biology, and omics approaches to examine diet-host interactions in health conditions and diseases.

     

    Responsibilities:-Plans and performs large research projects or several smaller projects. -Assists undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory staff involved in research, and trains incoming students.

     

    -Works with mice, collects and analyzes biological samples and manages mice colonies.-Selects and applies standard techniques of molecular biology and biochemistry and keeps detailed records of data.-Maintains cell cultures.

     

    -Uses computers and laboratory equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, technical evaluation of research experiments and results. -Assists in preparing and writing proposals to funding agencies.-Installs, operates and maintains research equipment.

     

    -Assists with reports, invoices, and cataloging records.-Performs other related duties as assigned.

     

    Required Education and Experience:-Bachelor’s degree in relevant field-Two years of related professional experience.

    Preferred Experience:

    -Experience in reading, interpreting, and carefully following experimental protocols.

     

    -Experience working with mice.

     

    -Experience conducting mouse behavior tests.

     

    Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:-Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment-Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to maintain notes, populate databases, perform statistical analyses, present data and perform other computer related tasks.

     

    -Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote) with willingness to learn advanced software related to specific research activities.

     

    -Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.

     

    -Knowledge of laboratory maintenance and equipment.

     

    -Excellent communication skills.

     

    -Team oriented with a desire to collaborate.

     

    -Comfortable working on multiple projects.

    Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:

    -In vitro cell culture of organoids.

     

    -General molecular cell biological techniques, including protein extraction, RNA/DNA extraction and purification, PCR, qRT-PCR, cell proliferation assay, immunohistochemistry, and western blot assays.

     

    - Ability to maintain a detailed notebook, type results, reports, and/or enter preliminary results including making case specific comments pertaining to quality of specimens and/or interpretation of results.

     

    This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding which is renewed under the provisions of the grantor of the contract. The position, therefore, is contingent upon continuation of funding of these grants and/or contracts and your satisfactory job performance.

     

    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.