Research Associate – Gene Drive & Molecular Biology

About the role

The Texas A&M AgriLife Research Department of Entomology seeks a motivated Research Associate to support cutting‑edge gene‑drive projects in Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti. The role involves designing experiments, developing CRISPR tools, and generating data for publications and proposals.

Key responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute experiments on gene‑drive performance, DNA‑repair pathways, chromosomal effects, and transgene removal.
• Develop, test, and validate CRISPR/Cas9 reagents, guide RNAs, donor constructs, and transgenic lines.
• Perform genetic crosses, progeny screening, insect colony maintenance, fluorescence‑based phenotyping, and routine troubleshooting.
• Operate laboratory equipment for PCR, genotyping, sequencing preparation, gel electrophoresis, fluorescence screening, HRMA, and related assays.
• Analyze experimental outcomes, document results, and maintain equipment logs.
• Prepare data for manuscripts, progress reports, presentations, and funding proposals, including figures and tables.
• Train undergraduate and graduate students, technicians, and other lab personnel in research procedures and data recording.

Required profile

Required skills

• CRISPR/Cas9 design and validation
• Guide RNA and donor construct development
• Transgenic line generation and genetic crossing
• Insect colony maintenance (Drosophila, Aedes)
• Fluorescence‑based phenotyping
• PCR, genotyping, sequencing preparation, gel electrophoresis, HRMA
• Data analysis and documentation of experimental results

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on high‑impact gene‑drive research
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities
• Collaboration with leading scientists in entomology and molecular biology