"Research Specialist - Journey"

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Department: 110901 - Crop and Soil Sciences

Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties: The researcher will assist the plant breeding and genetics program with developing Valencia-type breeding lines for the Virginia-Carolinas region by evaluating them for yield, seed grade quality, disease resistance, and drought stress. In addition, the duties extend to developing a high-throughput phenotyping method for drought stress across all peanut breeding lines.

• Plans and designs field and greenhouse experiments for peanut breeding trials, including experimental layouts, plot arrangements, and replication strategies.
• Develops protocols for data collection methods across multiple environments and growing seasons.
• Identifies appropriate breeding populations and crossing strategies to meet program objectives. Plans genomic prediction models and determines marker selection strategies for traits of interest.
• Designs image-based phenotyping protocols and determines optimal timing for data collection. Plans harvest, processing, and storage procedures for breeding materials.
• Establishes quality control measures for DNA extraction, genotyping, and phenotyping activities.
• Executes field planting, management, and maintenance of peanut research plots across multiple locations and seasons.
• Performs greenhouse operations including seeding, transplanting, crossing, and plant care.
• Conducts DNA extraction procedures and implements genotyping protocols for marker-assisted selection.
• Executes computer programming scripts for genotype imputation and genomic prediction analyses.
• Implements image-based phenotyping techniques and operates specialized equipment for data collection.
• Performs crossing procedures to develop new breeding populations.
• Conducts harvest operations, shelling procedures, and proper storage of breeding materials.
• Evaluates breeding lines for agronomic performance, disease resistance, and quality traits.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• Assist other research in the greenhouse, molecular lab, seed lab and the field (research stations) for improving peanut breeding lines performance including planting, selections, shelling, data analysis, database management, developing molecular assays, genome-wide sequencing and other day-to-day activities of the peanut breeding and genetics program.
• Other duties as assigned.

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:

• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently on defined tasks and with others in a team setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• Foundational skillset in statistics, computer programming, and molecular biology concepts.
• Willingness to operate drone (UAV) equipment and handle processing images for data collection.

Required license or certification: A valid NC 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 maintained throughout employment.

Position Number: 00111582