Temporary Research Specialist - Mills River, NC

Posting Number

PG195674TM

Position Number

11

ASO
3625

Position Type

Temporary

Essential

Job Duties

The Research Specialist will be mainly responsible for performing field and lab research on apple and blackberry diseases.

• Plant and maintain apple and blackberries in the field, and greenhouse
• Use sterile technique, store microbial long-term cultures, harvest host and pathogen tissue, isolate RNA/DNA from plant and pathogen tissues, perform PCR, quantitative PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, in vitro fungicide sensitivity evaluations
• Assist P.I. in fungicide applications in the field
• Assisting P.I. with collecting data, analyzing data, writing extension publications, assisting in lab web page design, giving oral and poster presentations, and assisting in planning of field day/extension workshops
• Will also be responsible for a range of tasks related to lab management including training and supervision of other lab staff, lab safety compliance and inspections
• Purchase, stock and maintenance of equipment

Please note that this position is located at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, NC.

Is Time Limited

No

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.

• Health Insurance for Temporary Employees
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non‑revenue generating sporting events for free.

Attain Work‑life balance with our Childcare discounts, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer:
Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part‑Time or Full‑Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Job City & State

Mills River, NC

Department

DEPP

Classification Title

Temporary‑Technical/Paraprofessional

Working Title

Temporary Research Specialist – Mills River, NC

Work Schedule

40 hrs per week, 8 am‑5 pm, Monday‑Friday

Other Work/Responsibilities

• n/a

Minimum Experience/Education

• 4 year degree; or an equivalent combination of training and/or related experience

Department Required Skills

• Experience working with plants and microorganisms
• Experience with plant care and sterile techniques
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and SAS (or similar analysis platforms)
• Experience with data recording and entering
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to manuscript preparation
• Ability to search and read scientific literature
• Ability to mentor other staff and develop research protocols
• Experience giving oral and poster presentations and writing scientific publications

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Master’s degree in plant biology, plant pathology or related field
• Experience in horticultural crops
• Experience with farming equipment
• More than 2 years of experience in plant biology and microbial research including growing plants/microbes, maintaining plantings/cultures, sterile technique, and molecular biology experience
• NC Pesticide Applicators license or the ability to obtain one within the first 6 months of hire

Required License or Certification

• Valid driver’s license

Valid NC Driver's License required

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required

No

Anticipated Hiring Range

Dependent Upon Education and Experience

Job Open Date

12/18/2025

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 919‑513‑0574 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 (919) 515‑2135 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.

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