Research Technician

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

Company

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is part of the Texas A&M University System and conducts agriculture and life sciences research across Texas.

What you will do

• Collect samples and measurement data from laboratory experiments, field trials, farms, and processing facilities while following sampling and chain-of-custody protocols.
• Perform routine microbiological procedures, including media preparation, bacterial isolation, serial dilution, plating, colony enumeration, cryopreservation, and biofilm assays.
• Assist with DNA and RNA extraction, nucleic-acid quantification, PCR setup, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing sample preparation.
• Assemble, calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment, reporting malfunctions to senior staff.
• Record and summarize experimental data, perform basic calculations, and maintain laboratory culture collections, archives, supplies, and biohazardous-waste procedures.
• Support senior staff, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers with pathogen challenge, sanitizer tolerance, laboratory, and field experiments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and aseptic technique, with the ability to follow protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to perform basic calculations involving dilutions, concentrations, and unit conversions, plus basic word-processing and spreadsheet skills.
• Ability to work in a BSL-2 laboratory and handle foodborne pathogens under institutional biosafety protocols.
• Ability to work occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, travel to Texas field sites, and lift moderately heavy objects.

Nice to have

• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a university vehicle for field sampling.

Culture & Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance with employer premium contributions.
• 12–15 paid holidays annually, sick leave, and vacation leave.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internal programs.
• Required biosafety training is provided.

Hiring process

• Submit complete application materials or a complete resume.
• Employment is contingent on credential verification and completion of a criminal history investigation.