Temporary Cotton Breeding Research Associate

Temporary Cotton Breeding Research Associate

The research associate will be an integral member of the cotton breeding and genetics research team. The incumbent will play a major role in map-based cloning of agronomically important genes in cotton. Key responsibilities include conducting advanced genetic, genomic, and molecular biology experiments to determine gene structure and function to validate the candidate genes. Essential activities associated with this role include plant phenotyping;

harvesting and processing seed; growing and maintaining genetic stocks in greenhouses; collecting tissue samples; performing DNA and RNA isolations; conducting multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analyses; qRT-PCR; virus-induced gene silencing; phytochemical analyses; and basic bioinformatics analyses. The research assistant is also expected to collaborate with team members to develop gene knockouts using CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing technologies and methodically documenting and summarizing results and assist in writing draft manuscripts.

Position Type
- Temporary

Wolfpack

Perks and Benefits
- As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Job City & State
- Raleigh, NC

Department
- Crop Science

Classification Title
- Temporary-Technical/Paraprofessional

Working Title
- Temporary Cotton Breeding Research Associate

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule
- Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Minimum Experience/Education
- Relevant Master's degree, or Relevant Bachelor's and 3 or more years of relevant experience, relevant independent experience and education

Department Required Skills
- Experience with working with plants and/or general biology or general agriculture Hands on expertise in plant genetic analyses or basic plant molecular biology or genomics or bioinformatics Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to work well independently and in a collaborative research environment

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range - $24-$29/hr

Job Open Date - 06/29/2026

EEO - 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  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  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.