Research Specialist

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.

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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)

• 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

• In addition to the…