Job Title

Associate Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Biochemistry & Biophysics

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Qualifications

Required Education:

Doctoral degree in Life Sciences or Engineering or combination of experience and education.

 

Required Experience:

3 years progressively responsible experience with project oversight.

 

Required Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

High level of technical expertise and collaborative engagement.

 

Job Responsibilities

40%: Cryo-EM Facility Operations and Technical Support

               •             Assist the Director with the day-to-day operation of the cryo-EM facility, including instrument oversight, maintenance scheduling, and coordination with Thermo-Fisher technical support.

               •             Provide technical support and troubleshooting for users of the Krios G4 and related instrumentation.

               •             Ensure compliance with safety protocols and best practices for sample handling and instrument use.

               •             Monitor environmental conditions and coordinate with building operations to maintain optimal instrument performance.

 

20%: Instrumentation Development and Integration

               •             Participate in planning and executing the installation, calibration, and commissioning of new cryo-EM and related equipment.

               •             Collaborate with vendors and institutional personnel to prepare space, infrastructure, and documentation for new instruments.

               •             Develop protocols for advanced imaging techniques, including cryo-electron tomography and microED.

 

20%: Computational Infrastructure and Data Analysis Support

               •             Develop and maintain computing resources and software pipelines for data processing, including motion correction, 3D reconstruction, and tomographic analysis.

               •             Support users in data transfer, storage, and access to high-performance computing resources.

               •             Stay current with emerging cryo-EM software tools and workflows; implement updates and provide documentation.

 

10%: User Training and Outreach

               •             Train and mentor users on best practices in sample preparation, data acquisition, and preliminary data analysis.

               •             Assist with the development of training materials, SOPs, and documentation.

               •             Support outreach efforts by contributing to workshops, seminars, and presentations to promote cryo-EM capabilities.

 

5%: Research Collaboration and Method Development

               •             Collaborate with faculty and researchers on method development projects to optimize cryo-EM workflows and expand the scope of facility capabilities.

               •             Assist in the preparation of scientific figures and technical descriptions for grant proposals and publications.

 

5%: Performs Other Duties as Assigned

               •             Carry out additional tasks in support of the department or university’s research mission as needed.

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.