Research Associate

Job Title

Senior Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences & Society

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Who We Are

The Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society (TIGSS) aims to improve the lives of humans and animals and advance agricultural productivity through genome research. We function as a virtual institute to unite genome scientists with researchers in the field of genomics technology and bioinformatics science. The work we do will shape the future of the field of genome sciences and the world. To learn more, visit https://genomics.tamu.edu/.

What We Want

The Texas A&M University Preclinical and Phenotyping Core (TPPC) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to oversee the operation, maintenance, and user support of the Hyperion Imaging Mass Cytometer (IMC). This position will serve as the primary technical specialist for the IMC platform and will provide comprehensive IMC core services, including user consultation, sample processing, instrument operation, training, quality control, data acquisition, and technical support. The successful candidate will also contribute to additional TPPC core services as needed.

What You Need To Know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.  

Special Note: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Other Requirements and Factors:

• This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance

• This position may require up to 2% or more travel.

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

Essential Duties/Tasks

Core Research & Technical Operations

• Design, plan, coordinate, and conduct experiments supporting investigator-initiated research projects and core facility services.

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, and perform preventive maintenance on Imaging Mass Cytometry (Hyperion) and other assigned core instrumentation.

• Develop, optimize, validate, and implement standard and specialized laboratory protocols and workflows.

• Collect, analyze, interpret, and document experimental data using appropriate software and statistical methods.

• Ensure accurate recordkeeping, quality control, compliance with SOPs, and adherence to institutional safety and regulatory requirements.

• Recommend and implement improvements to laboratory procedures, workflows, and equipment performance.

• Coordinate instrument scheduling, monitor performance metrics, and communicate with vendors regarding maintenance and service as needed.

Training & User Support

• Train faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students on proper operation of Imaging Mass Cytometry instrumentation and associated workflows.

• Develop and maintain user training materials, SOPs, and instructional documentation.

• Provide technical consultation, troubleshooting, and ongoing support to core users.

• Monitor user competency and ensure compliance with laboratory policies and safety procedures.

Research Support & Scholarly Activities

• Analyze, summarize, and interpret experimental results for investigators and collaborators.

• Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, presentations, and grant proposals.

• Assist with development of new assays, technologies, and core service capabilities.

• Maintain documentation required for research projects, quality assurance, and funding activities.

Administration

• Assist with daily operation of the core facility, including scheduling, inventory management, reagent procurement, equipment maintenance records, and service documentation.

• Maintain instrument usage logs, quality assurance records, and billing documentation.

• Participate in budgeting, equipment planning, vendor communications, and implementation of new technologies.

• Perform other core facility duties as assigned to support TPPC operations

 

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in in biology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, engineering, or a related field

• Four years of relevant research or core facility experience, to include experience operating and maintaining advanced analytical, imaging, or mass spectrometry instrumentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field

• Experience with Hyperion Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC), imaging mass spectrometry, or CyTOF technologies.

• Experience in a university core facility or shared research resource.

• Experience developing SOPs, training users, and supporting fee-for-service research operations.

• Familiarity with tissue preparation, immunohistochemistry, antibody panel development, and image analysis.

• Experience with IMC data processing and image analysis software.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while supporting multiple investigators in a shared research environment.

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing

• Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.

• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software.

• Attention to detail.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others

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/Veterans/Disability Employer.