Research Specialist

Job Description

The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering seeks a Research Specialist to provide departmental research support to faculty, staff, and students in the following areas: bioprocess engineering, environmental engineering, ecological engineering, precision agriculture/machine systems, controlled agricultural environments, and sustainable waste management.

The ideal candidate will have wide-ranging expertise and be able to coordinate the work of multiple projects to meet department deadlines. The Research Specialist must be able to follow clear instructions from faculty members, as well as work independently depending on project needs.

Responsibilities include:

• Operating, maintaining, adjusting, and/or modifying equipment to support department academic, research, and extension activities.
• Constructing and maintaining field trials and field plots to facilitate field restoration studies, tours, and field days at demonstration sites.
• Collecting data and monitoring data quality and accuracy as required by the research protocol.
• Maintaining appropriate documentation of research results, as required by the research protocol.
• Recommending revisions to experimental methods based on observations of the data.
• Coordinating with research and extension faculty to provide support for research and demonstration programs.
• Assisting with the operation and maintenance of equipment and systems used to plant, cultivate, and harvest biomass.
• Conducting soil and plant tissue sampling activities, including preparation and analysis with little supervision.
• Communicating detailed outcomes and results of research.
• Managing compliance with safety measures and guidelines.
• Assisting with material waste disposal and laboratory maintenance.

Other responsibilities include operating a motor vehicle, farm machinery, and forklift to perform essential job functions, and traveling off-site alone to observe research.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. The ideal candidate will have the ability to lift up to 30 lbs frequently and 60-90 lbs occasionally, and have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications include a variety of previous project work in an agricultural, engineering, or field research setting. A valid driver’s license is required, and the ability to obtain a North Carolina Driver's License within 60 days of hire is necessary.

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.