Research Assistant - DEPP

Position Overview

Title: Research Assistant – DEPP

Department: Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University

Location: Plymouth, NC

Salary: $50,000 – $54,000, commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Design, implement, and manage field-based agricultural or ecological research trials focused on insect pests of field crops.
• Convert oral instructions into effective field experiments, including site selection, layout, timing, and protocol modification.
• Operate heavy farm equipment modified for research purposes for planting, maintaining, and harvesting a crop.
• Collect, record, and analyze research data using accurate record‑keeping and basic statistical handling.
• Suggest improvements to research quality and recommend solutions to minor problems.
• Contribute to research publications, reports, and draft manuscripts.

• Interact independently with graduate students and representatives from the agricultural industry while the PI is away.
• Plan work schedules based on multiple protocols and modify the protocols to fit the objectives.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree in a biological or agricultural‑related field and 3 or more years of relevant experience, or relevant independent experience and education.

Other

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage field-based research trials.
• Proficiency in accurate data collection, record keeping, and basic statistical data handling.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot agricultural and research equipment safely.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills to coordinate multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions under field conditions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interaction with faculty, students, technicians, and industry collaborators.
• Ability to train, supervise, and ensure safety compliance of temporary employees and students.
• Willingness and physical ability to work outdoors under variable and sometimes adverse weather conditions.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to research integrity.
• Basic computer proficiency, including spreadsheets, data entry platforms, and document preparation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with operating and maintaining field research equipment, and experience with ecological field experimental design.
• Three years of experience in agricultural‑based field research.
• Previous management experience, including training and supervision of other staff and safety compliance, and inspections.

Required Licenses or

Certifications:

• A North Carolina CDL and an experimental pesticide applicator's license will be required upon hire, if not in possession.

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
. 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.