Research Associate - Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Job Description
Posting Number
PG193789EPInternal Recruitment
NoWorking Title
Research Associate - Department of Entomology and Plant PathologyAnticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with ExperienceWork Schedule
Monday - Friday / 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (occasional longer work days or Saturday, in case of emergency))Job Location
Laurel, MDDepartment
Entomology and Plant PathologyAbout the Department
As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a diverse portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. Collectively, these strengths not only serve our clientele and our science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to the specific career interests of the student, irrespective of whether they prefer training in the basic sciences or are preparing for a career in extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners. View our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners. View our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030.
Essential Job Duties
The Research Associate will work under the general supervision of a Team Lead, supporting confirmatory diagnostics for seed-transmitted pests. The incumbent will manage day-to-day operations in the laboratory, including scheduling and coordination, procurement, testing, data analysis, and equipment maintenance. Responsibilities also include communications with submitters, reporting results, and training other scientists. Additionally, the incumbent will track and analyze data for trends, prepare quarterly reports, participate in methods validation, and implement new testing methods and technologies as needed. The overarching goal is to deliver timely, high-quality diagnostic services to meet evolving stakeholder needs.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Associate will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
- Molecular Diagnostics: Perform molecular diagnostics for seed-transmitted pathogens, including nucleic acid extraction, RT-PCR, and sequencing, ensuring timely and accurate results.
- Project Planning: Independently plan and execute daily workflow activities to maintain a high standard of laboratory operations.
- Environmental Monitoring: Regularly monitor and ensure cleanliness of the testing environment.
- Data Management: Log samples and results into the Laboratory Information Management System, maintaining accurate records.
- Reporting: Prepare and submit comprehensive quarterly reports on diagnostic activities and trends to the Team Lead.
- Methods Validation: Lead short-term projects focused on validating and implementing new testing methods for seed diagnostics.
- Training: Provide training on seed testing techniques to internal and external scientists.
- Lab Maintenance: Contribute to general lab upkeep and maintenance as required.
Other Responsibilities
- Track reagents inventories and budget expenditures for the project
- Purchase reagents and supplies
- Schedule and organize FedEx/UPS shipments
- Perform all research with adherence to the S&T PPCDL Quality Management System
- Develop or revise work instructions or other QM documents.
Minimum Education and Experience
- MSc in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related field or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 3 or more years of independent research experience.
Other Required Qualifications
- Ability to independently plan and coordinate daily lab operations and project timelines.
- Strong organizational skills for managing schedules, resources, and procurement processes.
- Strong analytical skills to interpret diagnostic results and identify trends.
- Experience generating clear, comprehensive reports, especially for quarterly submissions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of detection & identification of microorganisms, and experience with sequencing and sequence analysis is preferred.
- 3 years of experience, after master’s degree in the field of plant pathogen biology and/or diagnostics, experience working with regulated pathogens and under ISO 17025-2017 accreditation.
- Experience with QMS, specifically maintaining contaminant free diagnostic environment.
- Knowledge and experience with automated (high throughput) sample processing for seed testing, Sanger and high throughput sequencing and data analysis.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required
NoCommercial Driver's License required
NoJob Open Date
11/08/2024Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
Position Number
00111151Position Type
EHRA Non-FacultyFull Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00Appointment
12 Month RecurringMandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse WeatherMandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency EventDepartment ID
111801 - Entomology and Plant PathologyAA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
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.
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.
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