Texas A&M AgriLife Research
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Postdoctoral Research Associate in eDNA Assay Development for Bat Species Detection Texas A&M AgriLife Research in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
This is a grant-funded, full-time staff postdoctoral position, with continued availability contingent on grant funding. Salary is commensurate with qualifications. Texas A&M AgriLife provides benefits including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, retirement enrollment, and wellness benefits.
Country
United States
University
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
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About this position
Texas A&M AgriLife Research is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Management in College Station, Texas. The project focuses on environmental DNA (eDNA) assay development to detect bat species from water, soil, and air-filter samples.
The researcher will design and validate molecular assays from initial development through a three-tier laboratory detection workflow involving qPCR, digital PCR, and nanopore sequencing. Duties include nucleic acid extraction, quality control, inhibition and contamination controls, assay optimization, data analysis, reproducible record keeping, peer-reviewed publications, reports, presentations, and mentoring students and junior personnel.
The position also includes field collaboration and travel to south Texas for environmental sampling and acoustic monitor deployment and maintenance. Relevant interests include molecular biology, microbiology, wildlife ecology, environmental metabarcoding, bioinformatics, bat ecology, and field-based conservation science.
A PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, wildlife ecology, or a related field is required. Experience with environmental samples, PCR and primer or probe design, digital PCR, nanopore detection, field sampling, wildlife monitoring, sequence databases, or peer-reviewed research is advantageous. Candidates must be able to work outdoors in demanding conditions and obtain a valid driver’s license.
This is a full-time, grant-funded position with salary commensurate with qualifications. Funding availability is contingent on grant support. Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, paid leave, retirement enrollment, and wellness benefits. Applicants should submit a CV or resume, cover letter, references, and any required supporting documentation through the Workday application portal.
Funding details
This is a grant-funded, full-time staff postdoctoral position, with continued availability contingent on grant funding. Salary is commensurate with qualifications. Texas A&M AgriLife provides benefits including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, retirement enrollment, and wellness benefits.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, wildlife ecology, or a related field. Preferred qualifications include hands-on nucleic acid extraction from environmental or complex samples; PCR and primer or probe design; assay optimization for sensitivity and specificity; experience with eDNA or environmental metabarcoding, digital PCR, multiplex assays, nanopore detection, field sampling, chain-of-custody procedures, assay validation, sequence databases, bioinformatics collaboration, peer-reviewed publications, acoustic monitor deployment, bat capture or handling, 4WD driving, GPS navigation, and spatial data collection. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively, work early mornings, hike for extended periods with a field pack in challenging terrain and conditions, and obtain a valid driver's license. Applications require a CV or resume, cover letter, list of references, and certifications or additional documentation.
How to apply
Apply through the Workday job portal using the direct application link. Submit a CV or resume, cover letter, list of references, and any certifications or additional documentation; all application data must be completed or a complete resume attached.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.