Research Associate - Plant Genome Editing Center

Overview

The Genome Editing Center for Sustainable Agriculture (GEC) at NC State exists to accelerate the pace of gene editing research in plants and empower the agricultural industry to adapt more rapidly to emerging challenges. The center focuses on developing new plant genome editing tools that shorten the timeline between scientific discovery and the delivery of practical innovations to farmers and growers.

In addition to supporting cutting-edge research, the GEC fosters innovation through the creation and spinout of new companies, helping to ensure that transformative technologies reach those who need them most. Through this work, the center plays a pivotal role in advancing a sustainable and prosperous food supply for all.

People depend on plants for food, environmental aesthetics and recreation. No matter where you live, work or play, what we do touches your life. Our faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research that increases the quality and variety of food, fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants available to consumers worldwide. We are experts in the science, art, technology and business of growing crops.

And the demand for our services is growing. Whether through hands-on instruction in our field labs, greenhouses or community gardens, our work ensures the economic and environmental sustainability for agriculture across the state, the nation and the world.

Research Associate The Research Associate will contribute to research activities within the Genome Editing Center by assisting in the development and execution of genome editing protocols in plants. This position requires hands-on laboratory work with multiple crop species, data analysis, and support in disseminating scientific findings, while maintaining compliance with all applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Key

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently conduct experiments in plant tissue culture, regeneration, and transformation/genome editing of crops such as maize, wheat, sorghum, and soybean.
• Design and develop the plant genome editing vectors.
• Perform DNA and RNA extraction, purification, and PCR-based analyses.
• Collect, organize, and conduct preliminary analyses of experimental data.
• Prepare summaries of results and contribute to data presentations in team meetings.
• Conduct the preparation of manuscripts and reports for publication or internal use.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards in all laboratory activities.

Other Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

• Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree, or relevant Bachelor’s degree plus 3 or more years of independent research experience. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Other

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to independently design, troubleshoot, and optimize experiments.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Proven ability to prepare manuscripts, reports, and contribute to grant writing.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for both scientific and collaborative contexts.
• Ability to mentor and provide guidance to students, technicians, or junior researchers.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree
• Experience in field crop tissue culture and transformation.
• Familiar with bio-informatics, gene cloning and vector construction.
• Experience in CRISPR genome editing.
• Excellent sterile technique and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in a dynamic collaborative team environment.

• Required License(s) or Certification(s): N/A
• Valid NC Driver's License required:
  No
• Commercial Driver's License required:
  No

• Job Open Date: 10/10/2025
• Anticipated Close Date:
  Open until filled
• Department: 111501 - Horticultural Science
• Position Number:
• Position Type: EPS/SAAO
• 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…