Texas Tech University

Current Openings

Guns upResearch Aide/ Technician on Crop Molecular Improvement

Position description

We seek a highly motivated Research Aide/Technician with experience in molecular lab techniques, phenotyping software, and excellent bioinformatic skills. Experience studying phenotype and molecular responses of soybean, cotton, and other crops to abiotic and biotic stresses is highly desirable. The research program focuses on the study of cotton and soybean responses to nutrient stress and pathogens, and the design of strategies for the molecular improvement of these crops. The successful candidate is goal-oriented and enjoys multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, and will assist Postdoctoral scientists in developing greenhouse and field experiments, using a LemnaTech phenotyping system and LI-COR instruments in a constant way, and also doing RNA-seq and metabolomics analysis periodically, and setting up protocols for the study of signaling pathways and defense mechanisms.

Examples of specific tasks: assisting postdoctoral scientists, DNA/RNA/metabolites extraction, design of gene constructs using the MoClo/Golden Gate system and/or Gateway system, design of primers, analysis of genome and transcriptome sequences, growth, evaluation, and maintenance of plants in the greenhouse and chambers, preparation of common lab reagents/buffers, collecting and handling plant samples, processing samples and recording data, ordering supplies, extensive documentation, project review, reports preparation.
Minimum qualifications: BS in plant science or related field with laboratory experience.
Required Qualifications: MS in plant science or related field and experience working with different crops to study biotic and abiotic stress responses, phenotype and molecular evaluation of plants in response to stresses, performing bioinformatic analysis of RNA-seq, and designing gene constructs. Extensive experience with RNA-seq data analysis, R package, Linux, and Phyton is required.

Preferred Qualification
Experience with the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and molecular characterization of transgenic/edited plants is desirable. Strong teamwork spirit demonstrated by the ability to work as part of a collaborative team of scientists working across the molecular, cellular, and systems levels of biology is a must.

This is a full-time position.
Initial deadline for application: Application review will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Applicants who meet all the required qualifications should visit the Texas Tech University job application site at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/workattexastech/ and search for Requisition ID 36291BR.

For further inquiries or questions related to posting, please contact:
Dr. Damar Lopez-Arredondo (Damar.Lopez-Arredondo@ttu.edu)
Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST),
Department of Plant & Soil Science.

Required Attachments
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research
• Name and contact information for at least three personal/professional references

guns up

Texas Tech University System