Research Assistant (Molecular Biology and Next-Generation Sequencing)

Location: College Station, Texas; includes laboratory, field, and on-farm sample collection duties.

Company

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is part of Texas A&M AgriLife, an agriculture and life sciences organization conducting research, education, extension, and service across Texas.

What you will do

• Prepare field and on-farm sampling kits, label and transport samples, manage cold chain handling, and record collection metadata.
• Prepare next-generation sequencing libraries from extracted nucleic acids and perform nucleic acid extraction across multiple sample types.
• Run quality control on input material and finished libraries using fluorescent quantification and automated electrophoresis.
• Operate and maintain sequencing platforms, including nanopore instruments, and complete associated quality-control workflows.
• Organize and track samples across concurrent projects, maintain chain-of-custody records, and contribute to laboratory data management.
• Coordinate sequencing schedules with project teams, report results, manage inventory, and support general laboratory upkeep.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in life science, chemistry, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Hands-on molecular biology laboratory experience, including nucleic acid extraction and handling.
• Familiarity with next-generation sequencing library preparation or closely related benchwork.
• Careful quality control, consistent record keeping, attention to detail, and the ability to organize and track samples across multiple projects.
• All positions are security-sensitive; employment is contingent upon credential and information verification and completion of a criminal history check.

Nice to have

• Direct experience preparing sequencing libraries.
• Experience with fluorescent quantification and automated electrophoresis using a Fragment Analyzer, Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, or comparable instrument.
• Experience with sequencing library kits and automated liquid handling.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time staff position funded through grants or contracts; continued employment depends on ongoing funding and satisfactory performance.
• Platform-specific training on nanopore instruments and quality-control workflows is provided.
• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance with employer premium contributions.
• 12–15 paid holidays, up to 8 hours of sick leave per month, and at least 8 hours of vacation per month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, wellness initiatives, and professional development through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internal programs.

Hiring process

• Submit complete application data or a complete resume; incomplete applications may be rejected.
• Employment is contingent upon institutional verification procedures, including a criminal history investigation.
• Applicants who require H-1B sponsorship should review the stated fee and Texas filing restrictions; Texas A&M AgriLife will not pay the specified fee.