Research Technician I

**Job Title** Research Technician I **Agency** Texas A&M Agrilife Research **Department** Amarillo **Proposed Minimum Salary** Commensurate **Job Location** Bushland, Texas **Job Type** Staff **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](https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/) * [Texas A&M AgriLife Research](https://agriliferesearch.tamu.edu/) * [College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University](https://aglifesciences.tamu.edu/) * [Texas A&M Forest Service](https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/) * [Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory](https://tvmdl.tamu.edu/) 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**](https://agrilife.tamu.edu/) to learn more about how **_you_** can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world! **Position Information** The Research Technician I position will be responsible for conducting research in Entomology, Horticulture, or Plant Virology under the supervision of Dr. Kiran Gadhave (The Gadhave Lab: https://tx.ag/gadhavelab). **Responsibilities:** * Knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, and techniques in agriculture, and greenhouse operations. * Collects samples and measurement data from experiments. Implements and maintains data collection and summarization of greenhouse and field trials. * Collects and compiles data. Computes quantitates and extends projections. * Assembles and operates technical equipment. * Assists senior staff members in conducting major field experiments and consults in developing procedures. * Conduct insect transmission/biological assays and high tunnel/field experiments under hot conditions, insect colony maintenance, plant, or insect tissue preparation, nucleic acid extraction. * Independently pursues an assigned series of processes, procedures, or area of research in accordance with general approved plans and procedures. * Plans and executes procedures and work details. * Constructs, modifies, adapts, assembles, and operates scientific and laboratory apparatus and equipment. * Uses computer equipment for controlling equipment and compiling data. * Research and catalogs reference materials. * Plans and supervises technical operations. * Performs other duties as assigned. ​ **Required Qualifications:** * High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience. * Two years of related experience. * Knowledge of high tunnel/field equipment, greenhouse and farm operations * Ensure attention to detail. * Able to multitask and work cooperatively with others. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills. ​ **Preferred Education and Experience:** * Experience and expertise working in greenhouses, high tunnels or field cultivation of vegetable crops, horticultural farm operations. Experience working with insect pests or plant diseases. **Other Requirements or Other Factors:** * Ability to lift moderately heavy objects. Ability to exert heavy force. Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends. **What You Need to Know** **Salary:** This is an hourly paid position. Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. **Applicant Instructions:** The successful candidate must answer all questions and attach a resume. **Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?** When you choose to **_work_** for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents. In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following: * [Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance](https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/) with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums  * 12-15 days of annual paid holidays   * Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month * Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas   * Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife 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.