Position: Molecular detection of zoonotic pathogens and vectors for biosurveillance and outbreak response.

 

Position summary: Develop and validate molecular assays for zoonotic pathogen and vector detection, taking each assay from design through validation and into a three-tier detection workflow of qPCR, digital PCR, and nanopore sequencing.

 

Key responsibilities:

• Design, optimize, and validate nucleic acid based assays for zoonotic pathogen and vector detection, taking each assay from design through validation.

• Implement assays across the laboratory's three tier detection workflow: qPCR screening, digital PCR for confirmation, and nanopore sequencing for identification.

• Design and test primers and probes, including multiplex panels, and optimize assays for sensitivity and specificity.

• Validate assays against field, environmental, and clinical samples using appropriate controls and reference standards.

• Curate reference panels and sequence databases to support assay development and confirmatory identification.

• Maintain careful records and contribute to laboratory data management and validation documentation.

• Work alongside bioinformatics and field teams to interpret results.

• Lead and co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports for funding agencies, and conference presentations.

• Contribute to grant reporting and, where appropriate, to the preparation of new proposals.

 

Education: PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, veterinary science, or a related field, or equivalent research experience.

 

Required qualifications:

• Hands-on experience developing nucleic acid based assays.

• Working knowledge of PCR and primer or probe design.

• An understanding of how to optimize an assay for sensitivity and specificity.

• Careful documentation and a methodical approach to validation.

 

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with digital PCR, multiplex assay design, or nanopore based detection.

• Validation of assays against field, environmental, or clinical samples.

• Curation of reference panels or sequence databases.

• Experience working alongside bioinformatics and field teams to interpret results.

• A record of peer-reviewed publications.

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Training on our digital PCR and nanopore platforms will be provided as needed.

 

Appointment terms: Full-time, two-year position. Extension beyond the initial two years is possible contingent on performance and funding availability. Anticipated start date: September 2026.

 

Supervision: This position will be supervised by Dr. Sapna Dass.

 

Salary and benefits: Salary commensurate with experience and consistent with Texas A&M AgriLife Research guidelines.

 

Contact and how to apply:

• Applicants may direct questions about the position to Dr. Sapna Dass at sapna.dass@ag.tamu.edu.

• To apply, submit a single PDF to the same address containing:

  • A cover letter describing your research experience and fit for the project

  • A curriculum vitae

  • Contact information for three professional references

• Use the subject line: Molecular Detection / Biosurveillance – Postdoc Position – [Last Name]