Job Title
Assistant Research Data Scientist -Data & Bioinformatics
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
AgriLife Center for Managed Technology Services (CMTS)
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
College Station, 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
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University (https://aglifesciences.tamu.edu/)
Texas A&M Forest Service
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!
The Assistant Research Data Scientist - Data & Bioinformatics is a service-focused technical expert within the Center for Managed Technology Services (CMTS). This role supports researchers across disciplines by delivering outcome-based services in bioinformatics, data engineering, advanced analytics, and cloud-based research computing.
Operating under CMTS's cost-recovery service block model, the Assistant Research Data Scientist offers high-skill human capital that transforms raw data into reproducible workflows, actionable insights, and sustainable solutions. The successful candidate will work across multiple projects to analyze next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, design scalable pipelines, integrate heterogeneous datasets, and train researchers in modern data practices.
Position Structure
This is a full-time professional position reporting to the Director of CMTS. All work is scoped and delivered under a service model, enabling equitable access to high-skill expertise. The Assistant Research Scientist - Data & Bioinformatics may support multiple projects simultaneously and will focus on delivering reproducible, interpretable, and scalable results within each engagement.
Key Responsibilities
NGS and Bioinformatics Analysis
Process raw sequencing data (quality control, alignment, assembly, variant calling).
Apply functional annotation, gene expression analysis, and microbiome profiling.
Deliver biological interpretations in formats suitable for publication, compliance, and grant deliverables.
Scientific Leadership & Research Enablement
Exercises independent scientific judgment and analysis to support and enhance research projects conducted by other researchers.
Advises investigators on experimental design, analytical approaches, and appropriate computational methods across genomics, bioinformatics, and data science.
Translates research questions into rigorous analytical strategies, selecting methods, models, and tools aligned with scientific objectives.
Data Engineering and Cloud Analytics
Build and optimize reproducible pipelines using Python, R, SQL, Bash, Snakemake, or Nextflow.
Deploy workflows on HPC, institutional servers, and cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Databricks).
Implement FAIR-compliant data stewardship and governance.
Applied Machine Learning and Statistics
Apply statistical models, ML/AI methods, and predictive analytics to research datasets.
Develop scalable analytic workflows for interdisciplinary projects across life sciences, agriculture, and environmental domains.
Consultation and Researcher Engagement
Translate PI research goals into executable data strategies.
Recommend tools, platforms, and analytic approaches tailored to project needs.
Support grant proposals through data strategy input and compliance alignment.
Training and Education
Deliver workshops, tutorials, and guides on bioinformatics, data science, and cloud workflows.
Mentor graduate students and faculty in best practices for reproducibility and data management.
Contribute to shared knowledge resources for institutional capacity-building.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. with relevant experience in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Computational Biology, or related field.
Hands-on expertise in NGS data analysis and/or large-scale data engineering.
Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Apache Spark).
Experience with workflow automation (Snakemake, Nextflow) and cloud platforms (Azure preferred).
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Service-oriented mindset with focus on measurable outcomes.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Preferred Qualifications
Significant experience in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Computational Biology, or related field.
Experience with Azure Databricks, Delta Lake, or equivalent cloud-native analytics tools.
Background in agricultural, life sciences, or environmental sciences.
Familiarity with NIH/NSF data mandates, FAIR principles, and institutional compliance frameworks.
Experience delivering technical training to non-technical audiences.
What You Need to Know
Salary : Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate's qualifications.
Non-immigrant foreign nationals are prohibited by export control laws from performing the employment responsibilities associated with this position; sponsorship is not available.
Full-time remote work is not available for this position. However, partially remote work may be available, pending employee eligibility requirements are met in accordance with AgriLife Alternate Work Location Procedures.
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 packing 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
Applicant Instructions
A?cover letter, resume' and references are requested. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.? ? 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 prepopulate 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.
