Postdoctoral Research Associate (Plant-Microbe Interactions)

Location: College Station, Texas, United States

Company

Texas A&M AgriLife is a Texas A&M University System organization focused on agriculture and life sciences research, education, extension, and service.

What you will do

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on plant–microbe interactions, focusing on extracellular vesicle-mediated communication.
• Design and perform experiments investigating plant EV biogenesis, secretion, cargo loading, and biological functions in response to microbial and abiotic signals.
• Use genetic, molecular, biochemical, microbiological, and imaging approaches to study plant–pathogen and plant–microbiome interactions.
• Isolate and characterize extracellular vesicles and analyze their RNA, protein, and other molecular cargo.
• Analyze data, maintain experimental records, write research papers and reports, and contribute to grant proposals.
• Present findings at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences, support collaborative projects, and mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Requirements

• PhD in a related field.
• Research experience in plant molecular biology, plant pathology, microbiology, plant–microbe interactions, or a closely related area.
• Experience designing and conducting experiments, applying molecular and biochemical techniques, analyzing data, and communicating research findings.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with faculty, staff, students, and external research partners.
• Resume and cover letter required; employment is contingent on credential verification and a criminal history investigation.

Culture & Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance with employer contributions.
• 12–15 paid holidays annually, sick leave, and vacation leave.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Access to professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internal programs.
• All positions are security-sensitive and subject to institutional background-check procedures.

Hiring process

• Submit complete application information or a resume together with a cover letter.
• Final employment is contingent on credential verification and completion of the required criminal history check.
• Applicants who require H-1B sponsorship should review the stated fee and Texas filing restrictions, as the employer will not pay the potential $100,000 fee.