Department: 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology

Location: Laurel, MD

Essential Job Duties:
The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (DEPP) is seeking a Research Specialist to support research focused on the development and validation of molecular and biochemical methods for the detection and identification of plant pests and pathogens of regulatory importance. The successful candidate will work under the general supervision of a Project Leader and will contribute to research projects through laboratory experimentation, data collection and analysis, and the implementation and optimization of established research methods.

Located in Laurel, MD

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Specialist will:

• Conduct laboratory experiments and bench work in accordance with established research plans and protocols.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, manipulation, and analysis to support molecular and biochemical research activities.
• Develop, optimize, and validate molecular and biochemical methods by evaluating experimental parameters, including temperature, incubation time, primer and probe selection, and reagent concentrations.
• Visualize, analyze, document, and interpret experimental results while maintaining accurate records and ensuring sample traceability.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of advanced laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Maintain greenhouse plants and support plant-related research activities as needed.
• Prepare laboratory media, reagents, and other materials required for research activities.
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance, including cleaning and maintaining laboratory work areas, equipment, and labware, as well as autoclaving materials.
• Order and maintain inventories of laboratory reagents, supplies, samples, and other research materials.
• Track project-related expenditures and assist with monitoring project budgets.
• Record, summarize, and report research findings in written and oral formats to the Project Leader and other project personnel.
• Support diagnostic and proficiency testing activities and other laboratory functions as needed.
• Perform other research-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

If you are a detail-oriented research professional who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, advancing plant and molecular research, and contributing to a collaborative research environment, we invite you to apply and join our team at NC State.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• Perform work in accordance with applicable biocontainment, biosecurity, permit, and laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
• Work in high-containment laboratory and greenhouse environments as required, including completion of an FBI assessment for suitability when applicable.
• Complete all required technical, EEO, safety, and other job-related training.

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:

• Documented experience with various molecular biology methods (nucleic acid extraction, PCR and RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis and others), including processing of large number of plant samples while maintaining traceability.
• Knowledge of detection of infectious microorganisms.
• Ability to plan and follow planned activities independently, working knowledge of Microsoft Office, good written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with regulated plant pathogens and related laboratory procedures.
• Experience processing a high volume of plant samples in a laboratory or research setting.
• Experience performing real-time PCR and RT-PCR.
• Training or knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Experience working in a greenhouse or controlled plant-growth environment.

Required license or certification:

• Valid Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire. A valid driver's license must be maintain throughout employment.

The Research Specialist will be required to independently drive departmental trucks and vehicles.

Position Number: 00110475

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: 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology

Location: Laurel, MD

Essential Job Duties:
The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (DEPP) is seeking a Research Specialist to support research focused on the development and validation of molecular and biochemical methods for the detection and identification of plant pests and pathogens of regulatory importance. The successful candidate will work under the general supervision of a Project Leader and will contribute to research projects through laboratory experimentation, data collection and analysis, and the implementation and optimization of established research methods.

Located in Laurel, MD

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Specialist will:

• Conduct laboratory experiments and bench work in accordance with established research plans and protocols.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, manipulation, and analysis to support molecular and biochemical research activities.
• Develop, optimize, and validate molecular and biochemical methods by evaluating experimental parameters, including temperature, incubation time, primer and probe selection, and reagent concentrations.
• Visualize, analyze, document, and interpret experimental results while maintaining accurate records and ensuring sample traceability.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of advanced laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Maintain greenhouse plants and support plant-related research activities as needed.
• Prepare laboratory media, reagents, and other materials required for research activities.
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance, including cleaning and maintaining laboratory work areas, equipment, and labware, as well as autoclaving materials.
• Order and maintain inventories of laboratory reagents, supplies, samples, and other research materials.
• Track project-related expenditures and assist with monitoring project budgets.
• Record, summarize, and report research findings in written and oral formats to the Project Leader and other project personnel.
• Support diagnostic and proficiency testing activities and other laboratory functions as needed.
• Perform other research-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

If you are a detail-oriented research professional who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, advancing plant and molecular research, and contributing to a collaborative research environment, we invite you to apply and join our team at NC State.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• Perform work in accordance with applicable biocontainment, biosecurity, permit, and laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
• Work in high-containment laboratory and greenhouse environments as required, including completion of an FBI assessment for suitability when applicable.
• Complete all required technical, EEO, safety, and other job-related training.

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:

• Documented experience with various molecular biology methods (nucleic acid extraction, PCR and RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis and others), including processing of large number of plant samples while maintaining traceability.
• Knowledge of detection of infectious microorganisms.
• Ability to plan and follow planned activities independently, working knowledge of Microsoft Office, good written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with regulated plant pathogens and related laboratory procedures.
• Experience processing a high volume of plant samples in a laboratory or research setting.
• Experience performing real-time PCR and RT-PCR.
• Training or knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Experience working in a greenhouse or controlled plant-growth environment.

Required license or certification:

• Valid Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire. A valid driver's license must be maintain throughout employment.

The Research Specialist will be required to independently drive departmental trucks and vehicles.

Position Number: 00110475

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.