North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, North Carolina, stands as a premier public research institution renowned for its contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as agriculture and life sciences. Founded in 1887 as the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, it evolved into a comprehensive land-grant university within the University of North Carolina system. With over 36,000 students and a $1.2 billion annual research expenditure, NCSU offers diverse job opportunities that attract top talent seeking impactful careers in higher education.
Jobs at North Carolina State University span faculty positions, research roles, administrative jobs, and support staff openings. Faculty jobs often involve teaching, research, and service, while research positions focus on cutting-edge projects funded by federal agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). The university's location in the Research Triangle Park region provides unique advantages, including collaboration with nearby institutions like Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For those interested in research jobs or higher ed faculty positions, NCSU represents a hub of innovation.
The employment landscape at NCSU reflects its R1 Carnegie classification for very high research activity, meaning roles emphasize groundbreaking work in areas like renewable energy, biotechnology, and computer science. Whether pursuing tenure-track professor jobs or postdoctoral opportunities, candidates find a dynamic environment committed to the land-grant mission of teaching, research, and extension services benefiting North Carolina and beyond.
North Carolina State University employs thousands across its 12 colleges and professional schools. Common job categories include tenure-track faculty, non-tenure-track lecturers, postdoctoral researchers, research associates, and administrative roles in areas like student affairs and facilities. For a full breakdown, visit university job types.
Engineering faculty jobs dominate due to the College of Engineering's global ranking, while the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers roles in sustainable farming and veterinary medicine. Administrative jobs in higher ed, such as deans or department heads, require leadership experience, and higher ed admin positions support the university's operations.
Raleigh's tech ecosystem enhances appeal for remote higher ed jobs or hybrid positions in data science.
To secure jobs at North Carolina State University, candidates typically need advanced degrees aligned with the role. Faculty positions in academic departments demand a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field, such as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) for vet school roles or a PhD in materials science for engineering.
For research assistant jobs, a master's degree suffices in some labs, but PhDs are preferred for independence. Administrative roles may require a master's in higher education administration or related fields. NCSU verifies credentials through transcripts and references, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards from bodies like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
International applicants must provide degree equivalency evaluations from services like World Education Services (WES). This rigorous qualification process upholds NCSU's reputation as a top public university.
NCSU prioritizes expertise in high-impact areas matching its strategic plans, like the Centennial Campus initiative integrating industry partnerships. Key focuses include sustainable materials, precision agriculture, genomic sciences, and cybersecurity. For example, the Plant Sciences Initiative seeks experts in crop improvement amid climate change.
Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of NCSU's research centers, such as the Nonwovens Institute or the Bioinformatics Research Center. Interdisciplinary expertise, blending AI with biology or engineering with policy, is highly valued. Publications in journals like Nature or IEEE Transactions strengthen applications.
Employers at NCSU favor candidates with proven track records. Preferred experience encompasses 3-5 years of postdoctoral work, securing grants (e.g., $500K+ NSF awards), supervising students, and industry collaborations. For lecturer jobs, prior teaching evaluations above 4.0/5.0 are ideal.
Publication metrics matter: 10+ peer-reviewed papers, h-index of 15+, and patents signal productivity. Experience in K-12 outreach aligns with land-grant extension duties. See postdoctoral success strategies for building this profile.
Essential skills for NCSU jobs include proficiency in grant writing, data analytics (Python, MATLAB), pedagogy (active learning methods), and communication for diverse audiences. Competencies like team leadership, ethical research conduct, and cultural competence are critical.
For research roles, lab management and safety protocols are key. Soft skills such as adaptability in a fast-paced environment and commitment to equity enhance candidacy. NCSU values competencies in high-performance computing given its leadership in supercomputing.
Land-grant university: A U.S. institution receiving federal support for teaching practical agriculture, science, and engineering, promoting public service (NCSU exemplifies this through extension programs).
R1 institution: Highest Carnegie classification for doctoral universities with very high research activity and spending over $50 million annually.
Tenure-track: Career path leading to permanent employment after probationary review based on research, teaching, and service.
Postdoctoral researcher (postdoc): Temporary position for recent PhD holders to gain advanced training (1-3 years).
The application process for jobs at North Carolina State University begins online at jobs.ncsu.edu. Submit a cover letter, CV, research statement, teaching philosophy, and three references. Deadlines vary; tenure-track searches open in fall.
Post-submission, track status via portal. Rejections offer feedback; reapply stronger.
NCSU champions diversity through the IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access) strategic plan, targeting underrepresented minorities in STEM. Programs include the ADVANCE grant-funded Faculty Institute for Inclusive Teaching and the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) network.
The university recruits via HBCU partnerships and offers mentorship for first-gen faculty. In 2023, 25% of new hires were from underrepresented groups. Affinity groups like the Black Faculty Network support retention. These initiatives create equitable workplaces, aligning with higher ed career advice.
NCSU promotes work-life balance with flexible schedules, parental leave (12 weeks paid), and wellness programs like EAP counseling. The Employee Appreciation Week and fitness centers aid retention.
Raleigh, NC, dubbed the "City of Oaks," offers mild weather, parks (e.g., William B. Umstead State Park), and a thriving food scene. Proximity to RTP (home to IBM, Cisco) enables collaborations. Campus life buzzes with Wolfpack athletics, arts events, and 500+ student organizations open to faculty/staff. Housing options range from affordable suburbs to urban lofts, with average salaries competitive ($100K+ for associate professors).
Families enjoy top-rated schools and low cost of living (15% below national average). Commuting is easy via I-40, and public transit connects to Durham/Chapel Hill.
Jobs at North Carolina State University offer rewarding paths in a vibrant Raleigh setting. Explore higher ed jobs, refine skills with higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post a job to attract talent. NCSU's commitment to excellence makes it ideal for academic careers.
