Postdoctoral Research Associate

Here’s a Glimpse of the Job

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will investigate the genetic basis of phenotypic variation using Drosophila as a model system. Research in the laboratory focuses on understanding how structural variants, repetitive DNA, and other forms of genetic variation contribute to phenotypic variation through their effects on gene regulation, genome function, and organismal traits. The selected candidate will lead independent research projects that may integrate molecular biology, genetics, functional genomics, population genomics, pangenomics, genome engineering, computational biology, and bioinformatics. The balance of experimental and computational research will be tailored to the individual's expertise, interests, and career goals. Candidates with backgrounds in either experimental or computational biology are encouraged to apply. 

Opportunities to Contribute 

• Conducts molecular, genetic, genomic, bioinformatic, genome engineering, sequencing-based, and/or computational analyses to generate and analyze genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, or phenotypic datasets. 

• Contributes to collaborative projects within and outside the laboratory, including grant reports and collaborative publications. 

• Develops and implements analytical workflows for biological data. 
• Maintains organized and reproducible records of experiments and analyses. 

• Utilizes laboratory, computational, and high-performance computing resources.  

• Prepares manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, figures, presentations, and supporting documentation, and presents findings at scientific conferences, seminars, and workshops. 

• Mentors graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory personnel, and assists with training in molecular, genomic, and computational techniques. 

• Participates in laboratory meetings and collaborative activities. 

• Contributes to laboratory organization, data management, and shared resources.  

Qualifications 

• Appropriate PhD in a related field.   

A well-qualified candidate may also possess:  

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field. 

• Demonstrated research productivity through peer-reviewed publications. 

• Experience in one or more of the following: Molecular biology, Functional genomics, Genetics, Genome engineering (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9), Bioinformatics, Population genomics, Evolutionary genomics, pangenomics. 

• Experience analyzing high-throughput sequencing data. 

• Interest in integrating experimental and computational approaches. 

• Interest in developing new skills outside previous areas of expertise. 

• Knowledge of genetics, molecular biology, genomics, or evolutionary biology. 

• Ability to design and execute independent research projects. 

• Ability to analyze and interpret biological data. 

• Strong written and oral communication skills. 

• Ability to learn new experimental and computational methodologies. 

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Commitment to reproducible and rigorous scientific research. 

• Ability to mentor and train students and laboratory personnel. 
• Ability to move up to 25 pounds with or without accommodation.

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate’s education and experience. 
Special Note: Due to this position’s salary having all or a portion of it being funded by grants or contracts, the continuing salary and overall employment is contingent upon the availability of these funds in the future. 
Schedule: May have to work on the weekend and/or after normal hours. May travel as required. 

What You Need to Do: 

Select the Apply button to begin your application. Submitting a cover letter and resume is strongly recommended and will help us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences.  Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.  

The Department of Biology at Texas A&M University is responsible for research and teaching within the vast disciplines of the biological sciences, from molecular cell biology to ecology and evolutionary biology. Our faculty perform cutting-edge research in a wide array of biological sciences in the laboratory and in the field. Our graduate research programs prepare scientists for careers in academia, industry and government and enhance our understanding of the central role of biological systems in the global environment. Our undergraduate students gain a firm foundation in modern biological sciences to prepare them for a multitude of careers that depend on a solid understanding of biology. To learn more, please visit us at https://www.bio.tamu.edu/. 

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.   

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M 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   

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time  

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.   

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.  

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees. 

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University 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.