Research Associate (GC8691

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants must apply online.

Department Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences

Salary Range Salary Range $5,290 monthly (equivalent to $63,480 for 12 months)

Posting Information

Position

Responsibilities Include:

• Research (60%)
• Develop, optimize, and validate spectral classification models for mosquitoes.
• Design and conduct laboratory and field-based research experiments.
• Develop data acquisition, processing, and machine learning workflows.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and research presentations.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and student researchers.
• Assist in the supervision and training of research technicians and students.

Teaching (40%)

• Teach undergraduate chemistry lecture and/or laboratory courses, including General Chemistry laboratories and other courses consistent with departmental needs.
• Maintain regular office hours and fulfill instructional responsibilities expected of temporary faculty.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Experience maintaining detailed laboratory records and managing research data.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary research team.
• Commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• At least 18 graduate credit hours in Chemistry, consistent with university teaching requirements.
• Experience applying mid-infrared spectroscopy or related spectroscopic techniques.
• Experience with chemometric analyses and multivariate statistical methods.
• Experience with machine learning and/or deep learning methods.
• Proficiency in Python programming.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific results through presentations and publications.
• Ability to teach undergraduate chemistry courses, including General Chemistry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field preferred.
• Publications related to mosquito identification, vector biology, spectroscopy, or analytical chemistry.
• Experience developing reproducible data management and analysis workflows.
• Demonstrated leadership in laboratory management or supervision of student researchers.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams spanning chemistry, biology, and data science.

Posting Text

Open Date

Open Date 08/03/2026

Close Date

Close Date 08/10/2026

Open Until Filled No

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation;
National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call  or email .

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 ) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 ). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Required Documents
Optional Documents

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you a current WCU student enrolled in 6+ credit hours?
  • Yes
  • No