Job TitleResearch Technician I Agency Texas A&M University - Kingsville Department Citrus Center Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationKingsville, Texas Job TypeStaff Job Description A Research Technician, under general supervision is sought to work on a project supporting the transition to the Black Pupae Strain (BPS) of the Mexican fruit flies by the USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Science and Technology. The project will develop new and standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for closed colony rearing to support PPQ field operations and improve the current cage design used by domestic US field operations to support BPS flies. The successful candidate will conduct research trials, collect vital data, and contribute to the development of robust quality control measures. The funding is for one year appointment, with possibility of extension. Position is located in Weslaco, TX. Essential
Duties
and
Responsibilities
Establish and maintain closed colony BPS rearing within a containment laboratory stetting Oversee egg collection, larval tray seeding, and general insect husbandry practices. Ensure strict adherence to containment protocol and biosecurity measures. Monitor and record BPS quality control metrics for larvae and pupae at each generation Collect data to compare rearing progression timelines and evaluate the effectiveness of checkpoint systems against conventional rearing protocols Performs other duties as assigned Minimum
Requirements
Education
– High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience
– Two years of related experience. Ability to – Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Licensing / Professional Certification – None.
Physical Requirements
– Ability to lift moderately heavy objects. Ability to exert heavy force. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Supervision of Others This position generally does not supervise employees. Other
Requirements
Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends, not to exceed 40 hrs. in a work week. 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. The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS. The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee. Each member institution provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees and prospective employees. External Applicants - Applicants not currently employed by a Texas A&M System member may Search Postings and apply for positions within one or more A&M System members by selecting the job posting. Internal Applicants - This site lists job postings throughout The Texas A&M University System. It is intended for applicants not currently employed by a member of the system. Current employees should apply for jobs on the Internal Career site. The Texas A&M System is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer.