Research Assistant

Job Title

Research Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Horticultural Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Research Assistant is responsible for managing the vegetable breeding program seed production, trait screening and field trials. The individual should be proficient in data collection and management, as well as preparing recommendations to the project leader. The Research Assistant should understand the basics of plant breeding and plant pathology to conduct controlled pollinations, build new populations, screen for disease resistance and grow trials for quality and yield assessment. The individual should also be able to manage student labor and prepare progress reports.

Qualifications

Required Education:

Bachelor of science degree in Horticulture or related field

Required Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Good communication and computer skills. Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Ability to travel out of town as needed to evaluate field trials. Ability to carry up to 50 pounds.

Job Responsibilities

50% Grow peppers, melons, tomatoes, onions in the greenhouse for plant breeding.

20% Grow crops in the field for performance data collection

10% Conduct controlled inoculations for screening plants

10% Measure fruit quality traits in lab

5% Prepare spreadsheets and analyze data

5%: Performs other duties as assigned.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.