The Division of Research, Innovation and Economic Development of Tarleton is seeking a motivated senior research scientist with experience in whole genome and microbiome sequence data analysis, data visualization, and fluency in programming languages. This assignment is for up to 2 years with the possibility of extension dependent upon external funding.
The primary purpose of this position is to analyze sequence data taken from microbial isolates and environmental samples collected from various polluted agricultural and industrial sites. Special emphasis is given to interpretation of the underlying microbial community structure and function at these collection sites and to the identification of enzymes or other proteins with commercial value to agriculture, environmental biotechnology, energy, and health industries. Secondary goals include the development and implementation of new bioinformatic and statistical analytical tools and pipelines for future microbiome related research projects.
The successful applicant should have a strong expertise in bioinformatics, biostatistics, and data visualization tools as well as knowledge of next-generation sequencing methods. Working experience with bioinformatics analytical software related to whole genome and/or /microbiome research is expected for this position. Excellent interpersonal skills, with strong oral and written communication abilities necessary to procure funding through grant writing are required.
Job location options available: Stephenville, Texas / Fort Worth, Texas
Remote, hybrid, or face to face work options
Key Functions:
Analyze provided genomic and metagenomic datasets to identify useful enzymes with applications in:
agriculture (plant growth promotion)
environmental biotechnology (bioremediation)
energy (oil and gas extraction, biofuel production)
biomedical health (antibiotic resistance, pathogenic biomarkers).
Analyze, visualize, and interpret microbiome data from 16s rDNA collected from polluted environmental sites.
Independently plan, organize, and implement novel analytical pipelines for sequencing data.
Apply relevant statistical tests for all datasets when necessary.
Work with immediate supervisor to identify and pursue new avenues for research collaboration and grant funding opportunities.
Assist, prepare and help with the submission of research manuscripts.
Prepare and submit grant proposals.
Minimum Requirements:
PhD degree in biotechnology or a relevant biological sciences or informatics field.
8 years of related experience
Familiarity with commonly used bioinformatic, statistical, and data visualization tools for analysis of sequence data.
Able to design and conduct all analyses independently. Â
Excellent interpersonal skills, with strong oral and written communication skills.
Must be able to procure external funding through grant writing.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the requirements listed above, preference will be given to candidates with the following: Â
A total of 2-3 years' experience in scientific software implementation and development/analysis in microbial bioinformatics or microbial ecology.
Programming skills in R, Perl, or Bio-python.
The ability to work well in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.
Past record of high quality publications and/or grant authorship in a related field of study.
Salary:Â Commensurate with experience
Tarleton State University offers competitive wages, fully covered employee health insurance, comprehensive dental, vision, and life insurance options are also available. Benefits also include paid vacation, paid sick leave, holiday pay, retirement plan, longevity pay and more.Â
Commensurate annual salary may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration.Â
Notes to Applicant:
Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidate. All positions at the university are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.Â
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Tarleton State University offers competitive wages, fully covered employee health insurance, comprehensive dental, vision, and life insurance options are also available. Benefits also include paid vacation, paid sick leave, holiday pay, retirement plan, longevity pay, and more.
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Required Attachments by Candidate:
Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Letters of Recommendation, Unofficial Transcripts, Research StatementÂ
Tarleton’s VisionTarleton State University will be the premier comprehensive regional university in the nation, dedicated to education, service and research. It is committed to being a university of opportunity for all students and believes it has a responsibility to drive regional innovation and job creation for all graduates.About Tarleton State UniversityTarleton’s innovative and transformative approach provides more than knowledge. Through real-world experiences and effective teaching, research, scholarship and service, students gain the know-how for promising careers, no matter their field of study.Tarleton has evolved into the near-perfect model of size, academic scope and affordability. Founded in 1899 and part of The Texas A&M University System since 1917, it combines the resources of a major public institution — more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, cutting-edge academic facilities, faculty experts — with its own brand of personal attention, history and community to be a first-choice destination for students across North Texas and beyond.Students can choose to study in one of seven colleges — Agricultural and Environmental, Business Administration, Educ...ation, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences and Human Services, Liberal and Fine Arts, and Science and Technology.The primary campus is in Stephenville, which consistently ranks as one of the best small towns in America. Additional locations are in Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and Bryan, complemented by a fully online Global Campus.Students come to Tarleton from around the world, representing some 30 countries and nearly every state in the U.S., and leave as moral, ethical thinkers with civility and integrity who contribute meaningfully to a global society.Tarleton State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. Students may select areas of study from six colleges: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences and Human Services, Liberal and Fine Arts, and Science and Technology.More than 60 bachelor's programs and 30 graduate degrees, featuring doctoral studies in educational leadership, have led more than 13,000 students from 45 states and more than 20 foreign countries to make Tarleton State their collective choice for a college education.Tarleton's research centers are daily searching for solutions to global problems. For instance, the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research conducts analyses to address environmental issues facing the state and nation, while the Southwest Regional Dairy Center, using an almost $1 million grant, is working on ways to turn animal waste into a viable energy source.Tarleton's blueprints for a brighter-than-ever future include a new applied sciences building with engineering laboratory space on campus in Stephenville, a new academic building on the university's planned 80-acre Fort Worth campus near Chisolm Trail Parkway, and $24 million in upgrades and improvements to the institution's venerable Memorial Stadium.Tarleton State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.