Research Assistant (Cnidarian Sleep Research)

Location: College Station, Texas, United States; onsite laboratory work

Salary: Starting at $45,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Continued employment and salary are contingent on grant or contract funding availability.

Company

Texas A&M University is a research and teaching institution whose Department of Biology covers molecular biology, ecology, evolution, and related biological sciences.

What you will do

• Support the design, planning, and execution of behavioral, developmental, and molecular experiments using Cassiopea and other cnidarians.
• Maintain live cnidarian cultures across polyp and medusa life stages, including daily husbandry, health monitoring, biosecurity, and life-stage records.
• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain aquatic life-support systems, including water changes and environmental monitoring.
• Conduct molecular biology work such as antibody staining, plasmid cloning, RNA extraction, and RNAi tool development.
• Collect and analyze data, evaluate experimental results, and contribute to laboratory protocols, reports, manuscripts, and funding proposals.
• Manage supplies, live-feed cultures, inventories, research records, and training support for students and laboratory staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, marine science, or a closely related field.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and perform frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and repetitive hand motions.
• Manual dexterity and near-vision acuity for detailed animal care and microscopy.
• Ability to work near saltwater and in wet conditions.
• Strong attention to detail, recordkeeping, written and verbal communication, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction and PCR or with behavioral research methods.
• Experience caring for or culturing jellyfish, Cassiopea, or other cnidarians across polyp and medusa life stages.
• Knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry, aquatic life-support systems, and laboratory equipment.
• Experience with Python data analysis and scientific communication.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life, AD&D, flexible spending, and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid holidays, monthly sick leave, and paid vacation.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Free exercise programs, wellness resources, LinkedIn Learning, webinars, and professional development support.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while employed.

Hiring process

• Submit a cover letter and CV or résumé through the application system.
• Employment requires credential verification and completion of a criminal history investigation.