"Research Assistant - DEPP"

Research Assistant - DEPP

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location: Plymouth, NC

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

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Location: Plymouth, NC

Essential Job Duties:
This position will conduct applied and basic research on insect pests of field crops. Duties will include experimental design, implementation, and analysis, with a primary focus on field-based ecological research. In practice, this will require the ability to convert oral instructions for experimental outcomes into an effective field experiment. Often this involves independent selection of the proper site location, the use of heavy farm equipment modified for research purposes (from planting, maintaining, and harvesting a crop), correct layout and timing of the experiment, execution of appropriate methods for data collection, and analysis of the data.

Duties will include:

Nature and Scope of Research: The Research Assistant independently supports, designs, and executes fundamental, applied, and basic research activities focused on insect pests of field crops.

This role involves participation in formulating research methods, including:

• 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 research results for specific aspects of the project.

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 appropriate methods for data collection and subsequent data analysis.
• 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.

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This position is located in Plymouth, NC.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• In addition to the responsibilities listed, you will be expected to interact independently with graduate students and representatives from the agricultural industry while the PI is away for Extension responsibilities.
• This position will be responsible for planning work schedules based on multiple protocols and for modifying the protocols to fit the objectives.

Minimum Experience/Education:

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

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.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to research integrity.
• Basic computer proficiency, including spreadsheets, data entry platforms, and document preparation.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Required License or Certification:

• A North Carolina CDL and an experimental pesticide applicator's license will be required upon hire, if not in possession.