Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Dallas

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Dallas, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

A full-time postdoctoral position is available in the Breeding for Controlled Environment (BCE) laboratory at AgriLife Research at the Dallas Center and the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University. BCE program focuses on the development of breeding lines and cultivars of horticultural crops for controlled environments (CEs).

The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for experimental design, conducting experiments, data recording, statistical data analyses, and interpretation. Screen germplasm of horticultural crops for trait discovery with the goal of breeding crops that thrive in CEs. Make crosses, population development, DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, PCR and qRT-PCR. Analyze genome resequencing, transcriptomic, and genotypic data to construct linkage maps, conduct QTL mapping and GWAS, gene expression analyses, marker development and validation.

The responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Screen germplasm of horticultural crops for trait discovery with the goal of breeding crops that thrive in CEs.
• Make crosses, population development, DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, PCR and qRT-PCR.
• Analyze genome resequencing, transcriptomic, and genotypic data to construct linkage maps, conduct QTL mapping and GWAS, gene expression analyses, marker development and validation.
• Experimental design, conduct experiments, data recording, statistical data analyses, and interpretation.
• Manuscript writing and publication in peer-reviewed journals, research presentation at scientific meetings 
• Generate data and use them in grant proposals, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in writing grants, and submit reports to funding agencies
• Provide training and mentoring to graduate and undergraduate students  
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in plant breeding, genetics or related field. 
• Proficiency in plant breeding activities: germplasm screening, crossing, population development, data analyses (in R or SAS), and database management.
• Experience in conducting experiments in controlled environments and hydroponics.
• Expertise in molecular techniques: DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, qRT-PCR, marker design and validation, sequencing library preparations.
• Knowledge of Bioinformatics: genome resequencing and transcriptome data analyses, variant calling, QTL and GWAS analyses. 
• A publication record in the field of breeding, genetics, or genomics.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Applicant Instructions: Interested applicants should submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a detailed curriculum vitae stating education, experience, and qualifications, and (3) a list of three references with contact information as attachments to the completed application. The expected start date is February 1st, 2026.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife 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  
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

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.