Department: 113810 - Integrated Pest Management - Research

Location: Laurel, MD

Essential Job Duties:
The Research Specialist (Quality Management Support Biologist) supports the Plant Pathogen Diagnostic Certification Program (PPDCP), a collaborative program with USDA APHIS that strengthens the nation's ability to detect and identify plant pathogens that impact U.S. agriculture. Under the direction of the Project Leader, this position provides essential research support through organizing scientific documentation, maintaining quality management records, assisting with data activities, and supporting program processes.

Through careful attention to detail and application of basic scientific knowledge, you will help ensure program materials are accurate, current, and aligned with established quality standards. Your work will contribute to the reliability of diagnostic practices and the success of a program that supports plant health and agricultural protection.

Key Responsibilities fall within the following four core functional areas:

Scientific Documentation & Quality Management Support:

• Support the review, organization, and maintenance of technical documents, including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and job aids.
• Assist with updates to scientific documentation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with established quality management standards.
• Maintain organized records and documentation to support program compliance and operational effectiveness.

Research Program & Laboratory Support:

• Provide research support for activities associated with plant pathogen diagnostics, certification processes, and laboratory quality initiatives.
• Apply basic knowledge of molecular and serological diagnostic methods to support technical reviews, literature searches, and program activities.
• Assist with the preparation and organization of reference materials, scientific resources, and program documentation.

Data Management & Reporting Support:

• Maintain accurate research records, laboratory documentation, and electronic data files.
• Support data entry, organization, and review activities to ensure information is complete and accessible for program needs.
• Assist with compiling data and reports that support diagnostic certification and quality management activities.

Program Coordination & Operational Support:

• Collaborate with project leaders, quality management staff, and subject matter experts to support program priorities and deliverables.
• Utilize established systems and tools to manage documents, records, and program resources.
• Follow laboratory quality, safety, and compliance procedures while contributing to a culture of accuracy and continuous improvement.

If you are a detail-oriented researcher who enjoys supporting scientific programs through accurate documentation, data management, and quality-focused processes, we invite you to apply. Join our team and contribute to a program that strengthens plant health protection by supporting reliable diagnostic practices across laboratories.

Minimum Experience/Education:
Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
*All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.*

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in writing technical documents, specifically SOPs, methods protocols and maintaining inventories (of reagents, samples, documents).
• Knowledge of data management. Attention to details, good time management and record keeping.
• Understanding of good laboratory practices (GLP) and quality management system (QMS) principles.
• Ability to plan and follow planned activities independently, working knowledge of Microsoft Office, good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple documents and tasks simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Quality Management Systems (QMS), in a laboratory, manufacturing, or regulatory environment.
• Professional technical writing, editing and proofreading experience.

Required license or certification:

• The candidate must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident (green card) and is expected to pass NCSU and USDA background checks. No other emigration statuses are acceptable.
• Valid driver's license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.

Position Number: 00112212

AA/EEO Statement:
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. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

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.

Department: 113810 - Integrated Pest Management - Research

Location: Laurel, MD

Essential Job Duties:
The Research Specialist (Quality Management Support Biologist) supports the Plant Pathogen Diagnostic Certification Program (PPDCP), a collaborative program with USDA APHIS that strengthens the nation's ability to detect and identify plant pathogens that impact U.S. agriculture. Under the direction of the Project Leader, this position provides essential research support through organizing scientific documentation, maintaining quality management records, assisting with data activities, and supporting program processes.

Through careful attention to detail and application of basic scientific knowledge, you will help ensure program materials are accurate, current, and aligned with established quality standards. Your work will contribute to the reliability of diagnostic practices and the success of a program that supports plant health and agricultural protection.

Key Responsibilities fall within the following four core functional areas:

Scientific Documentation & Quality Management Support:

• Support the review, organization, and maintenance of technical documents, including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and job aids.
• Assist with updates to scientific documentation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with established quality management standards.
• Maintain organized records and documentation to support program compliance and operational effectiveness.

Research Program & Laboratory Support:

• Provide research support for activities associated with plant pathogen diagnostics, certification processes, and laboratory quality initiatives.
• Apply basic knowledge of molecular and serological diagnostic methods to support technical reviews, literature searches, and program activities.
• Assist with the preparation and organization of reference materials, scientific resources, and program documentation.

Data Management & Reporting Support:

• Maintain accurate research records, laboratory documentation, and electronic data files.
• Support data entry, organization, and review activities to ensure information is complete and accessible for program needs.
• Assist with compiling data and reports that support diagnostic certification and quality management activities.

Program Coordination & Operational Support:

• Collaborate with project leaders, quality management staff, and subject matter experts to support program priorities and deliverables.
• Utilize established systems and tools to manage documents, records, and program resources.
• Follow laboratory quality, safety, and compliance procedures while contributing to a culture of accuracy and continuous improvement.

If you are a detail-oriented researcher who enjoys supporting scientific programs through accurate documentation, data management, and quality-focused processes, we invite you to apply. Join our team and contribute to a program that strengthens plant health protection by supporting reliable diagnostic practices across laboratories.

Minimum Experience/Education:
Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
*All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.*

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in writing technical documents, specifically SOPs, methods protocols and maintaining inventories (of reagents, samples, documents).
• Knowledge of data management. Attention to details, good time management and record keeping.
• Understanding of good laboratory practices (GLP) and quality management system (QMS) principles.
• Ability to plan and follow planned activities independently, working knowledge of Microsoft Office, good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple documents and tasks simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Quality Management Systems (QMS), in a laboratory, manufacturing, or regulatory environment.
• Professional technical writing, editing and proofreading experience.

Required license or certification:

• The candidate must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident (green card) and is expected to pass NCSU and USDA background checks. No other emigration statuses are acceptable.
• Valid driver's license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.

Position Number: 00112212

AA/EEO Statement:
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. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

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.