Postdoctoral Research Associate – Gene Drive & Insect Genetics

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead experimental studies on gene drive efficiency, DNA repair pathways, and transgene removal in Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti. The role involves designing CRISPR‑based constructs, generating transgenic insect lines, and analyzing molecular outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments evaluating gene drive systems and DNA repair outcomes.
• Generate and test CRISPR/Cas9 constructs, guide RNAs, donor plasmids, and gene‑drive braking strategies.
• Perform genetic crosses, embryo injections, transgenic line screening, fluorescence phenotyping, and molecular validation.
• Analyze DNA repair outcomes using PCR, sequencing (Sanger and nanopore), genotyping, HRMA, and related techniques.
• Develop and maintain transgenic insect lines, conduct inheritance assays, and ensure compliance with biosafety protocols.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, prepare figures, and present results to the research team.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, progress reports, and grant proposals.

Required profile

Required skills

• CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
• PCR and genotyping
• Sanger and nanopore sequencing
• HRMA analysis
• Fluorescence‑based phenotyping
• Embryo injection and genetic crossing techniques
• Transgenic insect line development
• Molecular cloning and plasmid construction
• Data analysis and scientific figure preparation

What we offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art molecular biology and insect rearing facilities
• Opportunities for authorship on high‑impact publications
• Collaborative environment within Texas A&M AgriLife Research