Research Associate

N.C. A&T; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick leave

State health benefits

Vision, dental, FSA

TSERS retirement

Holiday leave

401k/403b

Employee assistance program

Campus recreation discounts

Job summary

N.C. A&T is seeking a Research Associate to lead experimental research on feeding systems affecting pig growth, muscle development, meat quality, and gut health.

The role requires strong animal science background, lab/field experience with live animals, and excellent data analysis and writing skills. In this position, you will manage lab operations, ensure safety and compliance, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with stakeholders to publish findings and secure funding.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Animal Science, Meat Science, or closely related field.
• Experience in field and laboratory research with live animals, swine and ruminants.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical software and data analysis.
• Ability to collaborate with team and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to write scientific papers and reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Conduct and monitor all aspects of experimental research including animal handling, sampling, and data recording.
• Perform data analysis using statistical software to assess feeding systems effects.
• Manage laboratory resources and ensure materials are available and maintained.
• Oversee laboratory safety and ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.
• Write funding proposals, progress reports, and manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with team, stakeholders, and industry partners to disseminate findings via presentations and workshops.
• Provide guidance and supervision to junior staff and students.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Data analysis

Statistical software

Collaboration

Scientific writing

Microsoft Office

Education

Master’s degree in Animal Science or related field

Ph.D. in Animal Science (preferred)

Tools

Statistical software

RNA extraction

PCR and sequencing

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Classification Information

Classification Type

Classification Type EHRA

Position Overview

This position involves conducting experimental research, data analysis, and overall management of laboratory operations related to a project evaluating the effects of outdoor versus indoor feeding systems on pig growth, muscle development, meat quality, and gut health. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in animal science, experience in laboratory and field research, and excellent analytical and writing skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct and monitor all aspects of the experimental research, including animal handling, sample collection, and data recording.
• Perform detailed data analysis and interpretation using statistical software to assess the impact of feeding systems on various parameters.
• Manage laboratory resources, ensuring all materials are available and maintained properly.
• Oversee laboratory safety protocols and ensure compliance with all regulatory and ethical standards.
• Write funding proposals, progress reports, and scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and industry partners to disseminate research findings through presentations and workshops.
• Provide guidance and supervision to junior lab staff and students involved in the project.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences ( CAES ) has a rich history of innovation and application of cutting‑edge technology. From our pioneering Laboratory Animal Science and Landscape Architecture programs to our award‑winning Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research programs, our faculty and staff serve today’s needs while keeping an eye on the future.

The Department of Animal Sciences resides in CAES and supports over 409 undergraduate majors and 27 graduate students. The departmental faculty and staff provide education in the areas of animal health and nutrition, genetics, physiology, and management of laboratory animals.

Through our Agricultural Research Program and our Cooperative Extension Program, we are able to research issues of importance to North Carolina and also provide research‑based outreach training to citizens across the state and around the world.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Animal Science, Meat Science, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in conducting field and laboratory research with live animals, particularly swine and ruminant animals.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical software and data analysis.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and with external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to write scientific papers and reports.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Ph.D. in Animal Science or a related field.
• More than three years of research experience in agricultural or veterinary research, including direct experience with swine or ruminant animals.
• Experiences in supervising both graduate and undergraduate students.
• Experiences in measuring Meat Quality Characteristics.
• Advanced expertise in molecular biology techniques such as RNA extraction, PCR , and sequencing.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals. Experience with writing grant proposals.

Required License or Certification

Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies.

This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Employee Benefits

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
• Community Service Leave
• Aetna – State Health Benefits of North Carolina
• NCFlex - Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans - 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount
• and more

Position Information

Working Title

Research Associate

Position Number

007660

Recruitment Salary Range

$60,000 - $65,880

FLSA

Exempt

Appointment Type

Time Limited - Full-time

Tenure Track

No

FTE

If Time Limited, Appointment Length 09/30/2028

Organizational Division

Animal Sciences

Organizational Location

College of Ag & Environ Sciences

Organizational Unit

Animal Science Laboratory

Posting Number

EPA3252

Open Date

10/22/2026

Close Date - for postings that do not use Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled Yes

Open Until Filled Minimum Application Period Postings: Positions remaining posted after this date are continuing to accept applications, but may close at any time. Applications received by this date will receive full consideration, applications received after this date may receive consideration depending on the status of the search

Date Position Available

01/02/2027

Contact Division of Human Resources Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]