Job Description

Job TitlePostdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate

Job LocationCollege Station, Texas

Job TypeStaff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about joining AgriLife!

Position Information

Job Summary:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for conducting research on plant-microbe interactions, with an emphasis on extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication. The research will investigate how biotic and abiotic signals regulate plant EV biogenesis, secretion, cargo selection, and biological functions. The position requires experience in plant biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field, as well as the ability to conduct independent and collaborative research. The successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary projects aimed at understanding EV functions in plant health, stress responses, and disease resistance.

Responsibilities:

• Research-Under general supervision conducts independent and collaborative research on plant–microbe interactions, with an emphasis on extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication. Designs and perform experiments to determine how microbial and abiotic signals regulate plant EV biogenesis, secretion, cargo loading, and biological functions. Uses genetic, molecular, biochemical, microbiological, and imaging approaches to study plant–pathogen and plant–microbiome interactions. Isolates and characterizes EVs and investigates their RNA, protein, and other molecular cargo. Analyzes research data, interprets results, and maintains accurate experimental records. Writes and contributes to research papers, reports, and grant proposals.
• Laboratory and Project Support Develops and improves experimental protocols and assists with coordinating collaborative research projects. Maintains research materials and equipment and supports laboratory organization, safety, and regulatory compliance. Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external research partners.
• Mentoring-Assists with training and mentoring graduate and undergraduate student researchers involved in related projects.
• Presentations and Reporting Prepares and presents research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and other professional events. Contributes to required technical progress reports for research sponsors.
• Other Duties Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in related field.
• Research experience in plant molecular biology, plant pathology, microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, or a closely related area.
• Experience designing and conducting experiments, using molecular and biochemical techniques, analyzing data, and communicating research findings.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation is commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications.

Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship:

Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Benefits and Leave:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• 12–15 annual paid holidays
• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative
• Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs

How to Apply

Applications must include all job application data or a complete resume. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applicants are encouraged to upload a resume or use LinkedIn to prepopulate application fields.

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

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.