Research Assistant - Entomology and Plant Pathology
Job Description
Posting Number
PG193473EPInternal Recruitment
NoWorking Title
Research Assistant - Entomology and Plant PathologyAnticipated Hiring Range
$45,000Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (occasional few hours over the weekends is also expected)Job Location
Raleigh, NCDepartment
Entomology and Plant PathologyAbout the Department
As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a diverse portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. Collectively, these strengths not only serve our clientele and our science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to the specific career interests of the student, irrespective of whether they prefer training in the basic sciences or are preparing for a career in extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners. Our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030 is accessible here https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cals-strategic-plan/.
The Micropropagation and Repository Unit (MPRU) in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at NC State University is the National Clean Plant Network center that produces, maintains and distributes to stakeholders high quality, asexually propagated plant material of sweetpotato, berry crops and grapes that are free of targeted pathogens and pests that cause economic loss to protect the environment and ensure global competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops producers.
Essential Job Duties
The Research Assistant will independently support, develop, design, and/or execute moderately complex research activities for a single or multiple research projects related to the propagation and maintenance of sweetpotato, berry crops and grapes clean stock in the greenhouse/screenhouse for distribution to NC Sweetpotato Certified seed growers, nurseries and stakeholders.
Duties of the Research Assistant will include but are not limited to:
Duties of the Research Assistant will include but are not limited to:
- Performing daily operations in the greenhouse and screenhouse: general cleaning, surface disinfecting, preparing potting soil, watering, fertilizing, potting, plant caring, plant trimming, propagation, pest and weed control.
- Conducting greenhouse/screenhouse establishment, maintenance, labeling and propagation of sweetpotato, berry crops and grapes nuclear plants.
- Developing and maintaining detailed records of the status of these plants maintained in the greenhouse/screenhouse, plant health and plant production.
- Identifying and monitoring pest and disease issues during plant production and maintenance of clean stock following an integrated pest management program.
- Using and performing chemical, biological or cultural management for pest and weed control.
- Maintaining up-to-date spray records as well as maintaining and restocking of chemical room.
- Delivering certified clean stock to stakeholders after meeting standards to pass inspections using Greenhouse Best Management practices and integrated pest management program.
- Collecting and maintaining data for research conducted to develop/improve protocols for greenhouse plant propagation, Greenhouse Best Management Practices, pest and weed management.
- Assisting with planting, harvesting, evaluation and data collection of sweetpotato and/or berry field trials as needed.
- Coordinating cleanup, maintenance, propagation, distribution, indexing, field and research activities with other staff members, students and stakeholders.
- Maintain specialized equipment and purchase supplies.
- Carry out chemical sprays for pest and weed control.
- Maintain up-to-date spray and greenhouse plant production records.
- Maintain Greenhouse Best management practices to meet certification standards and pass inspections.
- Identify any greenhouse issue related to crop production under controlled environments and communicate with facilities maintenance staff.
Two (2) candidates will be hired from this posting.
Other Responsibilities
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Relevant Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s degree in Crop Science, Horticultural Science, Plant Science, Plant Biology, Plant Pathology or a related field, with at least three (3) years of relevant experience.
Other Required Qualifications
- Experience with sweetpotato, berry crops and grapes on multiple aspects: greenhouse propagation, cultural management, pest management, weed management, graft-indexing, field trials.
Preferred Qualifications
- Relevant research experience in greenhouse plant production, pest and weed control is strongly encouraged.
- Ability to work independently, travel to research stations and collaborate with staff, faculty and students is required.
- Ability to perform chemical sprays and to have a NC pesticide license.
- Excellent oral communication skills are required as well as been able to work in a team.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
- Valid Driver’s License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver’s License within 60 days of hire. Must be maintained throughout employment.
- NC Pesticide License or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire.
Incumbent will be required to drive to the Sweetpotato greenhouses that are located 1.5 miles away from the main program building (the MPRU Building – Unit 4). The incumbent will also need to occasionally drive to reserach stations or farms that range from 1 to 1.5 hours aways from NC State’s Main Campus.
Valid NC Driver's License required
YesCommercial Driver's License required
NoJob Open Date
06/21/2024Anticipated Close Date
Open Until FilledSpecial Instructions to Applicants
Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
Position Number
00110873Position Type
EHRA Non-FacultyFull Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00Appointment
12 Month RecurringMandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse WeatherMandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Mandatory - Medical EmergenciesDepartment ID
111801 - Entomology and Plant PathologyAA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
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.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
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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