Research Assistant

Research Assistant

Company:

North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category:

Laboratory and Research

Type:

Full-Time

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Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
The Research Assistant provides laboratory and field research support for the Plankton Ecology Lab in the areas of biological oceanography and harmful algal bloom ecology. The position supports instrumentation management, field sampling campaigns, laboratory analyses, and data processing activities affiliated with the Center for Coastal Algae, People, and the Environment.

The Research Assistant works under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and supports established research protocols while developing applied technical competencies in laboratory and field environments. The scope of duties are as follows:

Instrumentation Operations & Maintenance

• Operate, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot the Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB).
• Perform diagnostics and coordinate vendor service when necessary.
• Deploy and retrieve submersible instrumentation in estuarine and coastal environments.
• Maintain calibration and ensure continuous data acquisition integrity.

Field Sampling & Logistics

• Organize and conduct routine field sampling campaigns.
• Maintain field equipment readiness and inventory.
• Operate university vehicles to access sampling sites.
• Perform work in variable environmental conditions (heat, cold, mud, insects).

Laboratory Analysis & Sample Processing

• Conduct chlorophyll extractions, DNA extractions, and ELISA toxin assays.
• Perform microscopy to quantify plankton abundance and community composition.
• Maintain laboratory organization, sample inventories, and freezer storage.
• Ensure compliance with university safety and research protocols.

Data Management & Computational Support

• Assist with image classification workflows for plankton taxa identification.
• Support machine learning applications to ecological datasets.
• Utilize analytical coding platforms (e.g., Matlab, Python, R) for data processing and quality control.
• Maintain accurate and timely data documentation.

Research Support & Lab Coordination

• Support graduate and undergraduate research projects.
• Serve as liaison with facilities and vendors when needed.
• Promote a collaborative, safe, and welcoming research environment.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• Occasional evenings and/or weekend work required.

Minimum Experience/Education:

• Relevant Master's degree in a related scientific discipline OR
• Bachelor's degree in oceanography, marine science, ecology, biology, or related field and three (3) years of related experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to follow established research protocols under general supervision.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in field and laboratory settings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with phytoplankton identification and imaging systems.
• Experience with Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB) instrumentation.
• Familiarity with machine learning methods applied to scientific research.
• Proficiency in Matlab, Python, or R.

Required License or Certification:

• Valid NC Driver's License required or the ability to acquire within 30 days of hire.

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