Research Assistant - Entomology and Plant Pathology

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Nov 09, 2024

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG193622EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Research Assistant - Entomology and Plant Pathology
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday / 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (occasional longer work days or Saturday, in case of emergency))
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Entomology and Plant Pathology
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 diverse portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. Collectively, these strengths not only serve our clientele and our science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to the specific career interests of the student, irrespective of whether they prefer training in the basic sciences or are preparing for a career in extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. Entomology and Plant Pathology 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 houses 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners. Our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030 is accessible here https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cals-strategic-plan/.
Essential Job Duties	The Research Assistant will support the research efforts of the PI and graduate students in the Ahumada laboratory. Responsibilities may require supporting, developing, and executing research both in the lab and throughout the state to produce publications, maintaining a functional and orderly laboratory space, organizing and ordering laboratory supplies. Duties of the Research Assistant will include but are not limited to: Project Management and Analysis (60%) Manage multiple concurrent projects Analyze data and assist in determining next steps for projects, including methodological development. Collaboration and Communication (10%): Interact with outside collaborators. Provide research support, including managing culture collections and interfacing with laboratory members Manage scheduling of laboratory procedures Work with graduate and undergraduate students Technical Skills (20%): Perform molecular benchtop work (e.g., cell culture, ELISAs, qPCR, etc.) Conducting field trials on an as-needed basis under the supervision of the PI Document all completed tasks Research and Literature Review (10%): Read literature applicable to research areas as required. Assist in preparation of disease exploration protocols
Other Responsibilities	Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree or relevant Bachelor's degree with at least three (3) years of independent research eperience in plant pathology. Experience using software for data entry and summary Prior research experience in molecular biology techniques, including genomic DNA/RNA extraction, conventional and real-time PCR, qPCR, and gel electrophoresis. Prior research experience in microbiology, specifically fungal and oomycete specimen management
Other Required Qualifications	Strong verbal and written communication skills Excellent organization skills with strong attention to detail Ability to work to tight deadlines, goal oriented and high level of motivation Ability to work individually and as part of a team Competency with Microsoft Office (e.g, Word, Excel) Strong fine motor skills Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations
Preferred Qualifications	Attention to details, knowledge of good laboratory practices, and quality management systems Experience working in previous specimen-based laboratories Ability to work under adverse weather conditions (cold, heat, humidity, rain and pollen)
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	Valid Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire. Must be maintained throughout employment. Incumbent will be required to drive lab trucks indepedently.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	08/23/2024
Anticipated Close Date
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please attach a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00111015
Position Type	EHRA Non-Faculty
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology
AA/EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order 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.