Research Assistant - DEPP in Plymouth

Overview

Please attach a Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and contact information for at least three professional references.

Posting Information

Posting Number: PG194398EP

Internal Recruitment: Yes

Working Title: Research Assistant – DEPP

Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience ($50,000 – $54,000)

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

Job Location: Plymouth, NC

Department: Entomology and Plant Pathology

Location details: This position is located in Plymouth, NC.

About the Department

As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a varied portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. The department houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences includes 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students, plus 18 research stations across the state. Our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030, is accessible here: https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cals-strategic-plan/.

Responsibilities

This position will conduct applied and basic research on insect pests of field crops. Duties include experimental design, implementation, and analysis with a primary focus on field-based ecological research. This involves translating oral instructions into effective field experiments, site selection, layout and timing, data collection, and data analysis.

• Translating oral instructions for experimental outcomes into effective field experiments.
• Independent selection of proper site locations.
• Planning the correct layout and timing of experiments.

Judgment and Discretion: The individual will work independently to collect and analyze results. Duties require independent judgment in the field, including:

• The use of heavy farm equipment modified for research purposes (for planting, maintaining, and harvesting a crop).
• Execution of data collection and analysis methods.
• Suggesting options for improving research quality and recommending solutions to minor problems.

Scientific Contribution: The Research Assistant is expected to contribute to research publications, reports, and draft manuscripts.

Other Responsibilities:

• Interact with graduate students and representatives from the agricultural industry while the PI is away for Extension responsibilities.
• Plan work schedules based on multiple protocols and modify protocols to fit objectives.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree in a biological or agricultural-related field and 3 or more years of relevant experience, or equivalent independent experience and education.

Other Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage field-based agricultural or ecological research trials.
• Proficiency in accurate data collection, record keeping, and basic statistical data handling.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot agricultural and research equipment safely.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to coordinate multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions under field conditions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interaction with faculty, students, technicians, and industry collaborators.
• Ability to train, supervise, and ensure safety compliance of temporary employees and students.
• Willingness and physical ability to work outdoors under variable and sometimes adverse weather conditions.
• Attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to research integrity.
• Basic computer proficiency, including spreadsheets, data entry platforms, and document preparation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating and maintaining field research equipment and ecological field experimental design.
• Three years of experience in agricultural-based field research.
• Previous management experience, including training and supervision of staff and safety compliance.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• A North Carolina CDL and an experimental pesticide applicator’s license will be required upon hire if not already possessed.

Valid NC Driver\’s License required: Yes

Application Details

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions: Job Open Date 12/22/2025. Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and contact information for at least three professional references.

Position Number: 00111786

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designations: Adverse Weather (Non Mandatory), Emergency Events (Mandatory for Medical Emergencies, Non Mandatory for Emergency Event)

Department ID: 111801 – Entomology and Plant Pathology

Equal Opportunity

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. For accommodations contact 919-513-0574. If you have questions about the application process, contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies may require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity?
• Options: NCSU Website, Job Alert, Executive Search Services, Monster, CareerBuilder, InsideHigherEd, Other Online Job Board, Carolina Job Finder, Job/Career Fair, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Professional Journal, Print Advertisement, Professional Organization, Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative, NCSU Employee Referral, Social Media, Other

• * Do you have a Bachelor\’s degree in a Biological or Agricultural-related field by hire?
• Yes
• No

• * Briefly, please explain your experience as it relates to the duties and responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References
• Resume/CV

Optional Documents

NC STATE UNIVERSITY