Job Description

Job TitleResearch Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Lubbock

Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate

Job LocationLubbock, 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 Research Associate performs independent or supervisory roles in research activities requiring an advanced level of knowledge in a field of science or learning, are predominantly intellectual and varied in character, and require consistent use of discretion and judgment. Prepare proposals for funding agencies, operation of research equipment, supervision of graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research. Executes experiments in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory and oversee quality control in these experiments.

Responsibilities:

• Performs independent or supervisory roles in research activities requiring an advanced level of knowledge in a field of science or learning, are predominantly intellectual and varied in character, and require consistent use of discretion and judgment. Executes experiments in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory and oversee quality control in these experiments.
• Prepares proposals for funding agencies, operation of research equipment, supervision of graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research.
• Hauls farm equipment (tractor, cotton stripper) to field sites using a large flatbed trailer. This requires operating an agency vehicle with a large flatbed trailer to transport farm equipment and materials.
• Operates tractor for planting, assists with laying out field plots, weed control, plot evaluations, irrigation, takes soil samples for nematode assays, and harvests plots.
• Assists in greenhouse experiments, laboratory assays for nematodes, and assists with seed packaging for planting.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Two years of related professional experience.
• Valid Class A license required or to be obtained within 6 months of employment.
• Experience with operating farm equipment, including tractors and harvest equipment.
• Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment.
• Familiarity to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases, perform statistical analyses, present data and perform other computer related tasks.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to lift heavy weight objects of up to 80 lbs, and walk up to several miles on field soil.
• Requires work outside during the growing season (May – November), so ability to work in the heat is necessary.
• The work can at times be dusty, and while a dust mask can be provided, a certain tolerance to dust may be necessary.

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:

• CV / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

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.