Research Scientist

Job TitleResearch ScientistAgencyTexas A&M Agrilife ResearchDepartmentEntomologyProposed Minimum SalaryCommensurateJob LocationCollege Station, TexasJob TypeStaffJob DescriptionAbout Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServiceTexas A&M AgriLife ResearchCollege of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M UniversityTexas A&M Forest ServiceTexas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryAs 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 InformationWe are seeking a Research Scientist, who under general supervision, designs, performs, and analyzes experiments.  Mentors students on analyzing and preparing data results.Responsibilities:Research Design, Execution, and Analysis-Conducts complex independent research within a specialized field of expertise.-Applies advanced scientific knowledge, technical skills, and research methods to carry out assigned research projects.-Designs, performs, and evaluates experiments, studies, or research activities consistent with project goals.-Collects, analyzes, interprets, and summarizes research data.-Identifies research challenges and applies appropriate methods to support project progress and completion.-Research Documentation, Publications, and Reporting-Writes, reviews, and contributes to research papers, articles, manuscripts, and other scholarly publications.-Prepares summaries of research findings, data analyses, and project outcomes.-Actively participates in the preparation of technical progress reports for research sponsors, collaborators, and institutional stakeholders.-Maintains accurate research records, documentation, and files in accordance with project, departmental, and institutional requirements.Presentations and Research Communication-Prepares presentation materials related to research topics, findings, methods, and project progress.-Presents or assists with presenting research findings to small and/or large groups.-Communicates research progress, results, and technical information to faculty, researchers, sponsors, students, and collaborators.Mentoring, Supervision, and Collaboration-May assist, train, or mentor student researchers, Postdoctoral Research Associates, Assistant Research Scientists, Associate Research Scientists, and other research personnel working on related projects.-May supervise assigned staff and/or students.-Collaborates with faculty, researchers, and multidisciplinary team members to support research objectives.-Provides technical guidance and support to research personnel as needed.Worksite, Equipment, and Research Operations-Oversees the preparation, organization, and cleaning of the research worksite.-Determines supplies, materials, and equipment needed to conduct research effectively.-Uses and maintains research equipment appropriate to the area of study.-Supports compliance with applicable safety, operational, and institutional procedures.Grant and Project Support-Assists with grant acquisition, proposal preparation, and related research development activities.-Supports planning and coordination of research activities, timelines, and deliverables.-Contributes information, data, and written materials needed for funding applications or sponsor communications.Performs Other Duties as Assigned-Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental, research, and institutional needs.-May work evenings, weekends, or outside normal business hours as required by research activities.-May travel as required for research, presentations, collaboration, or project-related activities.Education and Experience:Required Education:-Ph.D. in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, or a closely related field.Required Experience:-Six or more years of related postdoctoral or professional research experience in a specialized biological research field.Preferred Experience:-Experience conducting research on arthropod-borne viruses, mosquito-borne disease systems, viral suppressors of RNA silencing, small RNA pathways, or vector-borne disease control strategies.-Experience leading or substantially contributing to complex research projects from experimental planning through data interpretation and manuscript preparation.-Experience in an academic research laboratory, university research setting, or comparable research institution.-Experience mentoring, training, or providing research guidance to students, postdoctoral researchers, or other research personnel.-Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, accepted manuscripts, or manuscripts under review in relevant scientific fields.-Experience conducting research in molecular virology, virus-host interactions, virus-vector interactions, RNA silencing, or closely related areas.-Experience contributing to research publications, manuscripts, technical reports, or sponsor-related research documentation.-Experience working in a multidisciplinary research environment involving faculty, researchers, students, and/or external collaborators.Required Skills, Knowledge, or Abilities:-Advanced knowledge of molecular virology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and related biological research methods.-Ability to independently design, conduct, troubleshoot, and complete complex research activities.-Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize research data accurately.-Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare manuscripts, technical repo