Research Assistant

Research Assistant

The Research Assistant plays a key role in advancing the Turfgrass Entomology Program's laboratory, greenhouse, and field research. Working in collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI), this position independently coordinates multiple concurrent research projects, exercises scientific judgment, and ensures research activities are implemented with quality, accuracy, and efficiency. The position supports externally funded research and Extension programming by coordinating field trials, evaluating research data, maintaining research operations, and contributing to the communication and dissemination of findings.

Key Responsibilities

• Applied Research & Field Trial Coordination
• Independently coordinate laboratory, greenhouse, and field research, including scheduling seasonal field operations, implementing experimental protocols, and monitoring trial quality and integrity.
• Collect, validate, organize, and interpret research data; perform preliminary statistical analyses and recommend modifications to improve research quality and methodology.
• Serve as the primary field coordinator for multiple concurrent research projects, ensuring timely implementation of experiments and resolving novel research challenges.

Laboratory & Research Operations

• Maintain laboratory and field equipment, inventories, insect colonies, and research materials while ensuring adherence to laboratory safety, quality assurance, and EHS requirements.
• Coordinate pesticide applications and equipment calibration and support field operations using appropriate pest management practices.

Research Communication & Extension Support

• Prepare research summaries, presentations, online educational materials, manuscripts, grant reports, and Extension publications in support of program activities.
• Support field days and stakeholder demonstrations and contribute to the dissemination of research findings.

Training & Program Support

• Train undergraduate employees and supervise temporary workers in established research procedures and practices.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), research documentation, and other materials that support consistent and compliant program operations.
• Contribute intellectually to publications and grant development and assist the PI with research direction, methodology, and interpretation of complex scientific data.

If you are a research professional with hands-on experience in turfgrass entomology, a strong understanding of insect pests affecting turfgrass ecosystems, and the ability to apply scientific judgment to laboratory, greenhouse, and field research, we invite you to apply. If you enjoy solving research problems, coordinating complex field activities, and contributing to research that supports both scientific discovery and Extension programming, this position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Other Responsibilities

• In collaboration with PI and oversight:
  Exercises independent scientific judgment, not just implementation.
• Makes decisions affecting research direction or methodology.
• Interprets complex scientific data.
• Solves novel research problems.
• Contributes intellectually to publications and grant development.
• Requires specialized knowledge gained through an advanced scientific degree (or equivalent professional expertise).

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience
- Masters Degree OR Bachelors Degree with three years of relevant experience

Other

Required Qualifications
- Turfgrass Entomology Lab Operations: 1+ years of hands-on experience working within a turfgrass entomology laboratory setting, including standard operating procedures and safety protocols. Insect Pest Complexes Identification:
Practical knowledge of insect pest complexes specifically affecting turfgrass ecosystems, including identification, life cycles, and damage assessment. Field Operations & Licensing Pesticide/Chemical Application:
Knowledge of proper ground application techniques for pest control in turf management. Ground Applicator Licensure (Preferred):
Possession of (or the ability to readily obtain) a valid commercial ground applicator license for pesticide and chemical distribution.

Required License(s) or Certification(s) - North Carolina driver's license