Job Posting Information
| Posting Number |
PG194870SP |
| Internal Recruitment |
No |
| Working Title |
Research Specialist |
| Anticipated Hiring Range |
$54,172 |
| Work Schedule |
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm |
| Job Location |
Plymouth, NC |
| Department |
Entomology and Plant Pathology |
| About 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 varied 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. Our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030 is accessible here https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cals-strategic-plan/. |
| Wolfpack Perks and Benefits |
As a Pack member,
you belong here, and can enjoy
exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our
Employee Value Proposition
and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Retirement Programs
- Disability Plans
- Life Insurance
- Accident Plan
- Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
- 12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!
Attain Work-life balance with our
Childcare benefits,
Wellness & Recreation Membership, and
Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
|
| Essential Job Duties |
This position performs complex experiments according to outlined procedures and techniques in a field and laboratory research environment. The Research Specialist is responsible for planning methods and techniques of biological tests, conducting procedures, recording results, and assisting in the interpretation of data for field-based ecological research on insect pests of field crops. Work requires the exercise of judgment and a basic theoretical knowledge of agricultural and biological sciences. Under the general outline of the PI, the incumbent will independently select proper site locations, use modified heavy farm equipment (planting, maintaining, and harvesting), and ensure the correct layout and timing of experiments.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Conduct tests and experiments following standard protocol
- Identify and document variations that may affect the validity of field experiments.
- Convert oral instructions into effective field designs for ecological research
- Maintain the laboratory, including supplies, equipment, and facilities.
- Maintain and repair field equipment, including research planter, research sprayers, and research combine.
- Monitor and collect data as required by research protocol.
- Maintain meticulous hard copy and online documentation of results and assist in the preparation of research findings and reports.
- Train staff and graduate students in specific laboratory techniques and the proper use of specialized research or farm equipment.
- Document and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Key Qualifications:
- Knowledge of scientific principles to conduct the research process and maintain laboratory/field instruments and equipment
- Knowledge of research and regulatory standards, including experimental pesticide application and CDL requirements.
You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our
Employee Value Proposition (
https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. |
| Other Responsibilities |
- In addition to the responsibilities listed, you will be expected to interact independently with graduate students and representatives from the agricultural industry while the PI is away for Extension responsibilities.
- This position will be responsible for planning work schedules based on multiple protocols and for modifying the protocols to fit the objectives.
|
Qualifications
| 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. |
| Preferred Qualifications |
- Experience with operating and maintaining field research equipment
- Experience with ecological field experimental design
- Management experience, including training and supervision of other staff, safety compliance, and inspections.
- Experience in agricultural-based field research.
|
| Required License or Certification |
- North Carolina CDL
- Experimental pesticide applicator's license will be required upon hire, if not in possession.
|
| Valid NC Driver's License required |
No |
| Commercial Driver's License Required? |
Yes |
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
| Job Open Date |
02/18/2026 |
| Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.) |
02/24/2026 |
| Notice to Applicants |
Please make sure that the information entered on the application matches what is on your resume. |
| Special Instructions |
Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for at least three (3) professional references.
|
Position Details
| Position Number |
00111873 |
| Position Type |
SHRA |
| Position Classification Band Title |
Research Specialist |
| Position Classification Band Level |
Contributing |
| Position Classification Salary Range |
$ 45,454 - $ 109,409 |
| Salary Grade Equivalency |
GN08 |
| Alternate Option |
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. |
| Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) |
1.0 |
| Appointment |
12 Month Recurring |
| Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather |
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather |
| Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events |
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event |
| Time Limited Position |
No |
| Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable) |
|
| Department Id |
111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology |
| EEO |
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. |
|
North Carolina State University
$ 45,454 - $ 109,409
life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off
Feb 18, 2026