Temporary Plant Evolutionary Ecology Field Technician

Temporary Plant Evolutionary Ecology Field Technician

The Sheth plant evolutionary ecology lab in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) is currently seeking a field technician to participate in an NSF-funded study under the direction of Dr. Seema Sheth and in collaboration with Drs. Susana Wadgymar (Davidson College), Jill Anderson (University of Georgia), Megan DeMarche (University of Georgia), and Emily Josephs (Michigan State University).

The project combines approaches from evolutionary biology, field ecology, and population genomics in a broadly distributed native plant species (Chamaecrista fasciculata, Fabaceae) to forecast population dynamics range-wide under climate change. The technician will be part of a dynamic, dedicated, and engaged research group as well as a member of a multidisciplinary and multi-institution collaborative group that includes Botanic Garden and conservation professionals.

The successful candidate will contribute to a collaborative study of eco-evolutionary responses to climate in the partridge pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata, an annual legume that grows in disturbed habitats in central and eastern North America. The technician's primary responsibilities involve contributing to data collection and maintenance of a large common garden experiment (~3,500 plants) at Mason Farm Biological Reserve in Chapel Hill, NC.

This includes collecting data on traits and fitness, entering data, maintenance tasks in the garden (e.g., weeding), and processing samples in the lab. The technician will also have opportunities to train and mentor undergraduate students and work with graduate students.

Start/End Dates:
Exact start and end dates are flexible; this is a time-limited appointment for a maximum of 11 months.

Working hours are typically between 6 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday, but there may be occasional need for hours before or after these times, and on weekends.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Due to the large volume of applicants, we will not be able to respond to individual emails about this position or meet with applicants prior to submission of application materials.

Department Information

Job City & State
- Raleigh, NC and Chapel Hill, NC

Department
- Plant and Microbial Biology

System Information

Classification Title
- Temporary-Technical/Paraprofessional

Working Title
- Temporary Plant Evolutionary Ecology Field Technician

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule - 20-40/hrs per week

Other Work/Responsibilities - n/a

Minimum Experience/Education
- Combination of training and experience required to perform the duties

Department Required Skills
- Previous experience working in a plant ecology or evolution lab Knowledge of concepts surrounding ecology, evolution, and/or botany

Ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions for long days Previous experience with field research in ecology, evolution, and/or botany

Attention to detail; precise, neat work; ability to perform repetitive tasks

Excellent problem-solving and communication skills

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
- Bachelor's degree

Coursework in ecology, plant biology, genetics, or related fields

Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs Comfortable with manual labor, including but not limited to using common tools, light carpentry, and gardening/landscaping techniques

Experience with troubleshooting in the field

Required License or Certification
- Valid driver's license

Valid NC Driver's License required? - No

Commercial Driver's License Required? - No

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range - $20/hr

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date - 07/13/2026

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.

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