Job Description

Research Assistant

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.

Position Overview: Perform independent or supervisory roles in research activities that require an advanced level of knowledge in entomology, pest management, horticulture, statistics, and experimental design. These roles are predominantly intellectual and varied in nature, necessitating consistent use of discretion and judgment. Performs skilled, administrative, and managerial support in research. Plans and directs certain phases in a research project. This is a grant funded position for 12-months and continuation of the position beyond 12-months is contingent upon continuation of funding. This position is located at Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center in Weslaco, Texas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research Support and Data Collection

• Assists in the design, planning, coordinating, and execution of experiments or trials in support of various research projects in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
• Collects samples and measurement data for laboratory or greenhouse experiments and field trials.
• Records, compiles, and maintains data sets and observations for experiments or trials.
• Assists undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical, or field staff involved in research.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Uses computers and laboratory or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results.
• Evaluates, summarizes, and records results of technical evaluations, data, or statistical analyses.
• Summarizes project results/findings in progress reports.
• Assists in preparing and writing reports or proposals to funding agencies.

Publications, Outreach, and Presentations

• Assists in preparing outreach/grower articles or scientific manuscripts for journals.
• Assists in preparing oral or poster presentations for scientific or grower meetings.
• Prepares and gives oral presentations on research-related topics to Citrus Center visitors.

Equipment and Laboratory Operations

• Assembles, installs, operates, maintains, and repairs research equipment.

Purchasing and Financial Recordkeeping

• Purchases equipment or supplies required for research projects.
• Maintains records and invoices of purchases related to research projects.

Other Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences, biology, ecology, entomology, horticulture, pest management, plant science or an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years of related experience.
• Prior lab and field experience in research projects related to agricultural sciences, entomology, horticulture, pest management, or plant sciences.
• Knowledge of laboratory maintenance and equipment.
• Ability to effectively use a computer and applicable software to create databases, present data, and perform other computer-related tasks.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

• Master's degree in entomology or pest management from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in scouting, identification and/or management of citrus pests or diseases.
• Experience in greenhouse crop production or citrus management practices.
• Experience in PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction, and other molecular biology techniques.
• Experience in setup and maintenance of drip or sprinkler irrigation systems.
• Pesticide applicator license.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Texas driver's license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with growers, students, staff and faculty.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to orally comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Working knowledge of microscopes.

Other Requirements

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in greenhouses or outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat
• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving
• Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.
• Ability to use microscopes for extended periods

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 work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends
• 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

Why Join the Javelina Nation?

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 & Benefits

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.

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