Research Technician

North Carolina State University; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in North Carolina is seeking a Research Technician to support research activities in water quality and soil physics. This role involves laboratory work, field sampling, and contributing to educational programs. The ideal candidate will possess technical experience in environmental research and strong communication skills. This full-time position offers a collaborative environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated technical experience in environmental research.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support research activities in water quality and soil physics laboratories.
• Contribute to Extension activities in water quality management.
• Ensure proper functioning of the sediment and erosion control facility.

Skills

Communication

Technical Experience

Job description

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Posting Details

Job Posting Information

Posting Number PG194594SP

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title Research Technician

Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience (up to $41,851)

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Job Location Raleigh, NC

Department Crop and Soil Sciences

About The Department

The Crop & Soil Sciences Department provides research, teaching, and extension in support of the NCSU land grant mission.

Essential Job Duties

• Support research activities in water quality and soil physics laboratories within the Crop & Soil Sciences Department.
• This position provides essential technical and logistical support for faculty-led and graduate student research in water quality and soil physics.
• Duties include preparing laboratory equipment and instrumentation (e.g., TDR sensors, lysimeters, and spectrophotometers), calibrating sensors, processing soil and water samples, and managing data acquisition systems.
• The incumbent will assist with laboratory-based experiments and field sampling campaigns, ensuring accurate data collection, adherence to safety protocols, and proper documentation.
• The Research Technician helps maintain laboratory inventory and ensure compliance with environmental and university lab standards.
• Contribute to Extension activities in the water quality and sediment and erosion control training programs.
• This position plays a key role in delivering applied knowledge to stakeholders by supporting hands-on Extension training events and certification programs related to water quality management, sediment and erosion control, and stormwater BMPs.
• The incumbent will help prepare field demonstration setups, maintain training modules and displays, and assist with logistics during workshops and field days.
• They may also help respond to stakeholder inquiries, provide technical assistance during on-site training, and contribute to the development of outreach materials such as handouts, data summaries, or instructional guides under faculty supervision.
• Support maintenance activities at sediment and erosion control research and education facility.
• This position ensures the proper functioning and upkeep of the sediment and erosion control research and education facility, which is a core component of both research and Extension programming.
• Responsibilities include routine inspection and maintenance of erosion control structures (e.g., check dams, silt fences, detention basins), irrigation systems, runoff plots, and monitoring instrumentation.
• The incumbent will assist with groundskeeping, and small equipment operations (e.g., mowers, compact tractors), and ensure that safety procedures and environmental compliance measures are in place.
• By keeping the facility operational and research-ready, the Research Technician will help support high-quality field experiments and facilitate effective hands-on learning for training participants.
• Coordinate hourly and graduate research assistant’s project activities.
  
  

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Other Responsibilities

• Experience with basic operation and maintenance of vehicles, field and laboratory equipment.
• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Other Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated technical experience in environmental research; preferred experience related to soils and water quality.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills relevant to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with environmental research.
  
  

Required License Or Certification

• A valid NC Driver’s License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver’s License within 60 days of hire.
• A valid Driver’s License must be maintained throughout employment.
  
  

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date 05/16/2025

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.) 05/23/2025

Notice to Applicants

Please make sure that the work history you list on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, do not use the phrase “see resume”.

Special Instructions

Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Position Details

Position Number 00111463

Position Type SHRA

Position Classification Band Title Research Technician

Position Classification Band Level Contributing

Position Classification Salary Range $ 34,320 - $ 72,734

Salary Grade Equivalency GN04

Alternate Option

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00

Appointment 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Time Limited Position Yes

Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable) 12 months

Department Id 110901 - Crop and Soil Sciences

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 [phone] or [e-mail] .

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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Higher Education

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