"Research Technician - Horticultural Science"

Research Technician - Horticultural Science

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/.

Department: 111501 - Horticultural Science

Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
The Research Technician plays a key role in advancing yam research by coordinating and overseeing all field and greenhouse operations that support active research projects. This position serves as the primary technical resource for yam propagation, including vine cuttings and tuber sets, tuber storage and preservation, controlled crossing, seed harvest, phenotyping, and treatment applications in accordance with established research protocols.

Working closely with faculty and research staff, the Research Technician translates research plans into efficient, well-organized operations, ensuring experiments are conducted accurately, safely, and consistently. The role provides hands-on technical supervision of daily activities, maintains detailed research records, and applies established and emerging tools to improve research efficiency and data quality.

Success in this position requires strong collaboration, clear communication, and the ability to troubleshoot routine technical challenges. The Research Technician contributes to a positive, safety-focused research environment while supporting the team's shared goal of producing high-quality, reliable research outcomes.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned.

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

Required Qualifications:

• Basic statistics and data analytics.
• Proper tuber crop management
• Good communication skills.
• Basic statistics and experimental design knowledge.
• Crossing experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with root and tuber crops, with specific expertise in yam production, including vine cuttings, tuber sets, storage, and preservation practices.
• Working knowledge of field and greenhouse research operations, including controlled crossing, seed harvest, phenotyping, and treatment application following research protocols.
• Proficiency in basic statistics, experimental design, and data analytics, with the ability to accurately collect, analyze, and maintain research data and records.
• Experience providing day-to-day technical supervision or coordination of research activities, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and research staff while adapting to changing research priorities and operational needs.

Required license or certification:

• NCDL or ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire.

Position Number: 00111814

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.

Apply Now