Research Associate

Title: Research Associate

Location: Kingsville, TX

Job Description:

Job Title

About Texas A&M University–Kingsville

Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region’s premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution’s 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.

Location: The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.

Position Overview

Perform independent or supervisory roles in research activities requiring an advanced level of knowledge in a field of science and outreach.  This position requires consistent use of discretion and judgment and the ability to work both independently and within a team. The job includes preparing proposals for funding agencies, operation of research equipment including field vehicles, assisting graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research, and working with local landowners to maximize research partnerships. This position will be based remotely in Leakey, TX and primarily out of a field office. Anticipated start for position is on or about July 1, 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Field Operations 

• Designs, plans, conducts, and coordinates fieldwork in support of research projects. 

• Evaluates, selects, and applies standard techniques for routine research activities 

• Maintains detailed and accurate records of research data and field operations. 

Data Analysis and Technical Evaluation 

• Utilizes computers, laboratory, and technical equipment to perform data management and analysis.  

• Conducts statistical analyses and technical evaluations of research experiments and results.  

• Interprets findings and ensures data integrity and accuracy.

Reporting and Scientific Communication 

• Summarizes research results for inclusion in scientific publications and reports.  

• Prepares written materials for both scientific audiences and clientele-oriented outreach.  

Grant Development and Project Administration 

• Prepares and writes proposals for submission to funding agencies.  

• Monitors and maintains financial accounts associated with research projects.  

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Develops outreach materials and coordinates outreach events to communicate research efforts.  

• Networks with local landowners to establish and maintain a cooperative network supporting research project needs. 

Other Duties 

• The above represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned

Required Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience – Two years of related experience. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with appropriate field and technical equipment, specifically camera traps. 

• Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases, perform statistical analyses, present data and perform other computer related tasks. 

• Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.

Other Requirements

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to perform strenuous field work, especially in high heat.  

Other Requirements and Factors 

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends 

• This position is security sensitive 

• This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment. 

• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures 

• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements

Why Join the Javelina Nation?

Texas A&M University–Kingsville offers a supportive, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, and service. All employees enjoy:

• A welcoming campus community

• Opportunities for professional development

• Competitive benefits through the Texas A&M University System

• A rewarding experience of helping students achieve their academic and career goals

Shared Values: TAMUK employees uphold the Shared Values of Care, Integrity, Pride, Innovation, and Excellence, which form the foundation of the University’s culture and guide its strategic plan. More information on TAMUK’s Strategic Plan and Shared Values can be found here.

4DX: TAMUK employees actively engage in Franklin Covey’s 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) activities within their departments. TAMUK utilizes 4DX as the framework for pursuing strategic goals by creating a culture of high performance. This requires participation from all faculty and staff. More information on 4DX can be found here.

Caring Campus:  TAMUK employees embody the Institute for Evidence Based Change’s Caring Campus mindset, maintaining a collegial and caring attitude towards students and each other to foster student engagement and a positive, collaborative work environment. More information on Caring Campus can be found here.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. In addition to base pay, TAMUK provides eligible employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support employees’ well-being, professional growth, and financial security.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

With our generous benefit package, robust professional development opportunities, strong retirement programs, and dedication to service excellence, TAMUK is a truly engaging and rewarding place to work.

Insurance:

• Medical

  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).

  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:

    • Employee and Spouse

    • Employee and Children

    • Employee and Family coverage

• Dental & Vision

• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

On-Campus Wellness Opportunities:

• TAMUK’s Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Employee Tuition Assistance Program

• Book scholarships

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Employee Leave:

• 8+ hours of vacation per month

• 8 hours of sick leave per month

• 8 hours of paid Birthday leave

• 12-15 paid holidays per year

Additional Information

A federal proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M University-Kingsville will not pay this fee. If immigration sponsorship may be required for employment, consult with private immigration counsel, at the individual’s expense, is recommended to determine whether the individual’s current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University-Kingsville subject to this fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B petitions unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if sponsorship for employment visa status is required now or in the future, this moratorium may affect the university’s ability to employ the selected final candidate. TAMUK will adhere to applicable regulation