• Postdoctoral Research Associate

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


    Job Title

     

    Postdoctoral Research Associate

     

    Agency

     

    Texas A&M Agrilife Research

     

    Department

     

    Horticultural Sciences

     

    Proposed Minimum Salary

     

    Commensurate

     

    Job Location

     

    College Station, Texas

     

    Job Type

     

    Staff

    Job Description

    + The Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary project investigating the occurrence, uptake mechanisms, and mitigation strategies of nanoplastics (NPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in perennial cropping systems. This position is funded through the Texas Water Research Institute Program and will focus on grapevine and pecan, two of the most economically important crops in Texas.

    Job Responsibilities:

    30% Lead greenhouse experiments on nanoplastics and PFAS uptake in grapevine and pecan seedlings.

     

    25% Conduct plant physiological measurements (photosynthesis, water relations, oxidative stress, biomass allocation, root anatomy).

     

    15% Evaluate the efficacy of biochar amendments in reducing contaminant uptake

     

    15% Analyze gene expression related to uptake mechanisms (e.g., suberin biosynthesis, ABC transporters).10% Collaborate with analytical chemistry partners for method validation and quality control.10% Assist with field sampling campaigns at commercial pecan orchards and vineyards across Texas.

     

    5% Analyze data using appropriate statistical approaches.

     

    5% Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, grant proposals, and Extension activities (factsheets, stakeholder webinars, outreach events).

     

    5% Other Duties as assigned

     

    Required Education: Ph.D. in Horticulture or related discipline

     

    Preferred education: Ph.D. in Plant Physiology, Environmental Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, or a related discipline.

     

    Required experience: Strong background in plant physiology and experimental design.

    Preferred skills, knowledge or abilities:

    Experience with contaminant fate/transport, environmental toxicology, or nanomaterial/chemical analysis

     

    Proficiency with molecular techniques (e.g., RNA extraction, qPCR) and/or advanced imaging

     

    Strong quantitative/statistical skills.

     

    Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.

     

    Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

    Equipment Used:

    computer 20 hours

     

    microscope 10 hours

     

    photosynthesis gas analyzer 10 hours

     

    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.