Research Assistant

Job TitleResearch Assistant

AgencyTexas A&M University

DepartmentPsychology

Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate

Job LocationCollege Station, Texas

Job TypeStaff

Job Description

Glimpse of the Job

The Department of Psychology is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Research Assistant to join our team. In this pivotal role, you’ll support a research program focused on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms that drive behavior, with a special emphasis on stress and depression. Your day-to-day work will involve a hands-on mix of behavioral testing, maintaining animal models, performing molecular techniques, and assisting with surgical procedures using mice. We’re looking for a detail-oriented, highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for scientific discovery. If you're eager to make a meaningful impact in the field of neuroscience and psychology, we encourage you to apply!

Opportunities to Contribute

Supervising and mentoring undergraduate student workers in the lab.

Collecting, documenting, and maintaining accurate research data and experimental records.

Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, including autoclaves and microscopes.

Managing mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and general care.

Performing molecular biology techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis.

Administering compounds, ligands, and drugs to mice.

Conducting behavioral tests (e.g., forced swim, splash/groom, sucrose preference, Morris water maze, motoric performance).

Implementing the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model of depression.

Performing intracranial stereotaxic surgeries, perfusions, and tissue collection.

Processing and analyzing tissue samples using techniques such as immunohistochemistry, Western blot, ELISA, and PCR.

Contributing to a collaborative and supportive lab environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of experience.

A well-qualified candidate will also possess

Prior laboratory experience.

Experience with technical skills related to the responsibilities listed above (e.g., behavioral testing, molecular techniques, surgical procedures).

Strong motoric and fine motor capabilities to manipulate instrument for surgeries on rodents and tissue processing.

Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

Ability to positively and professionally interact with students.

Strong organizational skills.

Working knowledge of office software programs.

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected hire’s education and experience.

Special Note: This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.

What You Need to Do

Apply! Submit a resume/cv and cover letter. These documents will help us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is engaged in research that falls into all five graduate areas of specialization:

Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience

Clinical Psychology

Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience Psychology

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Social & Personality Psychology

In addition to the Department of Psychological and Brain Science’s 5 areas of specialization, we have overlapping research interests that bridge traditional areas of psychology. These primary research themes include Affective Science; Diversity Science; Neuroscience; Personality and Individual Differences. To learn more please visit our site at

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M 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

Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume’ or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

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.

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