Research Assistant – Plant Pathology & Genetics

About the role

The Texas A&M AgriLife Research Department seeks a motivated Research Assistant to support plant pathology and genetics projects focused on pecan and hickory crops. You will work both in the laboratory and in the field, contributing to disease diagnostics, genetic analyses, and specimen collection.

Key responsibilities

• Culture bacterial and fungal isolates from diseased pecan tissue and maintain long‑term lab inventories.
• Perform field ratings of pest presence, disease severity, phenology, and collect tissue samples.
• Conduct DNA/RNA extractions, PCR amplification, sequencing library preparation, and sequencing.
• Assist with herbarium specimen inventory, preparation, and pest management.
• Support additional duties as assigned, including media preparation and solution adjustments.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Soil & Crop Sciences, or related field.
• At least one year of experience in plant pathology, genetics, agricultural, or field research.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. driver’s license and work under high heat and humidity.

Required skills

• BSL1+ laboratory techniques (microbiology or plant biology).
• Microbial culture and media preparation.
• DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing library preparation.
• DNA/RNA sequencing and data handling.
• pH and molarity adjustments for solutions.
• Pruning tower operation.