Research Associate - Plant and Microbial Biology

Research Associate - Plant and Microbial Biology

Company:
North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category:
Laboratory and Research

Type:
Full-Time

Join the Pack! A community with nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, and 30,000 students. NC State is one of the largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/.

Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
The Research Associate will be responsible for performing field & laboratory research on crops. The Research Associate will help to coordinate, manage, and collect data, including research in the field and lab. The incumbent will be responsible for planning and implementing assays in the laboratory, preparing research plans, conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to writing reports and communicating results to stakeholders. The Research Associate will also be responsible for record keeping, molecular analyses, maintaining safety in the laboratory, and presenting results in written reports and oral presentations.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Use plant physiology research techniques to measure plant responses to the environment
• Use appropriate tools and software to document and analyze collected data.
• Communicate summaries of experimental results to the lab staff and principal investigator.
• Assist with the evaluation, interpretation and assessment of experimental data and quality control of assays.
• Participate in meetings with the principal investigator and research staff.
• Design and execute experiments involving crop responses to the abiotic environmental factors.
• Maintain detailed research records in laboratory/field notebooks and computer storage systems.
• Periodically monitor equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Work independently to make decisions and adjust protocols to manipulate the research.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience/Education:

• M.S. in Plant Biology, Crop Science, or related field.
• 4+ years research experience in crop environmental physiology.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to follow detailed protocols and standard operating procedures for field and laboratory tasks
• Experience with basic laboratory practices, including labeling, cleaning, and safe handling of chemicals and biological samples
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and navigate uneven terrain during fieldwork
• Ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies up to 50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodations
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for maintaining records and sample tracking
• Basic computer skills, including experience with spreadsheets, data entry, and file management
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:
N/A

Required License or Certification:

• Valid NC Driver's License

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