Research Technician - Entomology and Plant Pathology

Research Technician - Entomology and Plant Pathology

Company:
North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category:
Laboratory and Research

Type:
Full-Time

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Department: 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology

Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
The incumbent will assist with the maintenance and development of wheat germplasm in the greenhouse and will help harvest and process small-grain samples in the field.

Primary Duties Include:

Germplasm maintenance and development

• Growing wheat lines in the greenhouse
• Assist with crossing and harvesting of seed
• Taking notes on traits of interest in field plots

Harvesting of grain heads from field plots

• Purification of lines through roguing field plots
• Selection of single heads from large-increase wheat plots
• Hand harvesting of small plots
• Processing grain samples in sheds and trailers.

Processing of field samples

• Threshing of hand-harvested grain heads
• Cleaning and taking notes on harvest weight and grain density
• Milling and testing samples for quality

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• Using flour mills and lab machines to test for single-kernel hardness and falling numbers (resistance to premature sprouting).
• Collection of data in the field
• Entry and analysis of data.

Minimum Experience/Education:
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Agricultural Research Practices
• Skill in Data Collection and Documentation
• Ability to Follow Research Protocols and Perform Manual Field and Laboratory Tasks

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in greenhouse or field environments supporting plant growth, maintenance, or agricultural research activities.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, record, and manage field or laboratory data, including data entry and basic analysis.
• Experience assisting with planting, harvesting, and processing crop samples, including handling and preparing grain or plant materials.
• Familiarity with laboratory or agricultural equipment used for sample processing or quality testing (e.g., threshing, milling, or related processes).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to follow protocols, take accurate notes on traits or sample data, and manage multiple tasks in field and lab settings.

Required license or certification:
N/A

Position Number: 00111962

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