Job Title
Postdoctoral Research AssociateAgency
Texas A&M University - KingsvilleDepartment
Natural Toxin Research CenterProposed Minimum Salary
CommensurateJob Location
Kingsville, TexasJob Type
StaffJob Description
Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region’s premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution’s 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.
Location: The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.
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The National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC) invites applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with extensive experience in venom and toxin research. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research focused on the chemical, biological, and pharmacological characterization of natural toxins, with an emphasis on translational and mechanistic studies. This position offers access to unique venom libraries, state-of-the-art analytical and biological assay facilities, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Research Responsibilities
Design, execute, and interpret research projects related to venom-derived and other natural toxins.
Perform chemical characterization and purification of toxins using chromatographic techniques, including HPLC.
Conduct and analyze in vitro assays (e.g., cell-based assays, mechanistic, enzymatic, and functional assays, and biochemical analyses relevant to toxin biology).
Perform and interpret in vivo mouse assays in compliance with institutional animal care and use protocols.
Apply large data analysis approaches to biological, chemical, and/or omics-scale datasets to elucidate toxin mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
Investigate toxin–host interactions, including effects on vascular, immune, or cellular signaling pathways, using appropriate in vitro /or ex vivo and in vivo models.
Utilize flow cytometry for cellular phenotyping, functional assays, and toxin–cell interaction studies.
Maintain and expand mammalian cell culture systems relevant to toxin research.
Ensure the accuracy and detail of laboratory records, emphasizing rigorous data collection, documentation, and compliance with institutional biosafety, animal care regulations, and research ethics standards as applicable.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and clinicians.
Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific meetings.
Assist with grant writing, progress reports, and other scholarly outputs.
Provide mentorship and technical training to students or junior researchers in experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and responsible conduct of research.
Contribute to the overall research mission of the laboratory by troubleshooting experiments, optimizing protocols, and assisting with laboratory management as needed.
Other Duties
The above represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.
Education – Ph.D. in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related natural science discipline.
Experience – Two years of related experience.
Experience with additional analytical or bioanalytical techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry, proteomics, bioinformatics, bioassay-guided fractionation, and/or imaging techniques).
Familiarity with venom libraries, toxin structure–function studies, or drug discovery pipelines.
Statistical or computational skills relevant to biological or chemical data analysis.
Demonstrated extensive experience with venom-derived toxins, natural toxins, and related bioactive proteins or peptides, including experimental design and data interpretation.
Proven expertise in:
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
In vitro assays and mammalian cell culture
In vivo mouse assays
Flow cytometry
Cell-based functional assays
Experience handling, analyzing, and interpreting large or complex datasets.
Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
Ability to design and work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative research teams.
Knowledge of and adherence to laboratory safety practices, biosafety regulations, and responsible conduct of research standards.
Strong record of scientific productivity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and/or significant contributions to funded research projects.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Working knowledge of office software and instructional programs
Knowledge of principles and methods for teaching and instructing individuals and groups
Skilled in utilizing various learning and active listening strategies
Ability to orally comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning
Ability to facilitate and adapt course and the course content
Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff, groups of various sizes
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
Physical Requirement
Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat
Ability to move up to 50 lbs with assistance
Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.
Some lifting/carrying of classroom/presentation materials (specify weight limitations specific to program needs i.e. ability to lift, carry, load or unload up to 50 lbs. of instructional materials)
Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines
Other Requirements and Factors
This position is security sensitive
This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures
All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements
This position may require up to 10% (specify percentage) or more travel
This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends
This position may direct and/or evaluate the work of others
This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance
Texas A&M University–Kingsville offers a supportive, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, and service. All employees enjoy:
A welcoming campus community
Opportunities for professional development
Competitive benefits through the Texas A&M University System
A rewarding experience of helping students achieve their academic and career goals
Shared Values: TAMUK employees uphold the Shared Values of Care, Integrity, Pride, Innovation, and Excellence, which form the foundation of the University’s culture and guide its strategic plan. More information on TAMUK’s Strategic Plan and Shared Values can be found here.
4DX: TAMUK employees actively engage in Franklin Covey’s 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) activities within their departments. TAMUK utilizes 4DX as the framework for pursuing strategic goals by creating a culture of high performance. This requires participation from all faculty and staff. More information on 4DX can be found here.
Caring Campus: TAMUK employees embody the Institute for Evidence Based Change’s Caring Campus mindset, maintaining a collegial and caring attitude towards students and each other to foster student engagement and a positive, collaborative work environment. More information on Caring Campus can be found here.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience
Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. In addition to base pay, TAMUK provides eligible employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support employees’ well-being, professional growth, and financial security.
BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)
With our generous benefit package, robust professional development opportunities, strong retirement programs, and dedication to service excellence, TAMUK is a truly engaging and rewarding place to work.
Insurance:
Medical
$0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
Employee and Spouse
Employee and Children
Employee and Family coverage
Dental & Vision
Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
On-Campus Wellness Opportunities:
TAMUK’s Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.
Work Life Solutions:
Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
Tuition Benefits:
Employee Tuition Assistance Program
Book scholarships
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Retirement:
Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position
Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
Employee Leave:
8+ hours of vacation per month
8 hours of sick leave per month
8 hours of paid Birthday leave
12-15 paid holidays per year
A federal proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M University-Kingsville will not pay this fee. If immigration sponsorship may be required for employment, consult with private immigration counsel, at the individual’s expense, is recommended to determine whether the individual’s current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University-Kingsville subject to this fee.
In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B petitions unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if sponsorship for employment visa status is required now or in the future, this moratorium may affect the university’s ability to employ the selected final candidate. TAMUK will adhere to applicable regulations regarding visa opportunities.
During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.
Employment applications must include:
Completed online application
Cover Letter/Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Contact information for 3 professional references
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.