Research Technician

North Carolina State University; North Carolina; On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Childcare benefits

Job summary

North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC is seeking a Research Technician to support cotton genetics, genomics, and breeding projects. You will assist across field plots, greenhouse, growth chambers, and seed-processing environments, ensuring safe and efficient research operations.

The role involves data collection, analysis, and collaboration with faculty, graduate students, postdocs, and staff to advance breeding programs and improve materials.

Qualifications

• Experience in cotton genetics, genomics, or breeding labs preferred.
• Ability to manage field, greenhouse, and laboratory workflows.
• Strong data management and record-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Support cotton genetics and breeding research across field, greenhouse, and lab environments.
• Collect and record phenotypic data; assist with crosses and seed processing.
• Maintain electronic records and ensure compliance with safety and EH&S requirements.
• Operate and troubleshoot field equipment, lab instruments, and seed-processing machinery.
• Coordinate daily activities with students, postdocs, and research staff at multiple sites.

Skills

Cotton genetics

Data management

Field work

Team collaboration

Job description

Posting Details

Job Posting Information

Posting Number PG195169SP

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title Research Technician

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

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Job Location Raleigh, NC

Department Crop and Soil Sciences

About The Department

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences encompasses varied disciplines in research, extension, and teaching. The department’s mission is to develop future leaders in crop, soil and environmental sciences, improve crop plants and products, devise effective and sustainable crop production systems, devise effective and sustainable soil management techniques in both agriculture and urban settings; and disseminate crop, soil, and environmental science, knowledge for the benefit of producers of food, feed, turf, biofuels and fiber in North Carolina.

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.

• Medical , Dental , and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, 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.

Essential Job Duties

Join the Cotton Genetics and Breeding Lab and contribute to research that advances cotton genetics, genomics, and plant breeding. As a Research Technician, you will provide essential technical and operational support across field, greenhouse, growth chamber, laboratory, and seed-processing environments. Working alongside faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborators, you will help ensure research activities are conducted safely, accurately, and efficiently while supporting the development and evaluation of improved cotton breeding materials.

Key Responsibilities

Research Operations & Technical Support

• Support cotton genetics and breeding research by preparing field plots, greenhouse materials, and controlled-environment facilities for planting, phenotyping, harvesting, and research trials.
• Perform mechanical and manual planting, harvesting, ginning, acid-delinting, seed processing, and sample preparation while advancing and maintaining breeding populations through controlled crosses and self-pollination activities.
• Collect, measure, and record phenotypic and experimental data from field, greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory studies to support ongoing research projects.

Data Management & Research Compliance

• Maintain accurate electronic records for phenotypic data, seed inventories, experimental documentation, and research activities using tools such as Excel and Google Sheets.
• Prepare and maintain documentation related to chemical storage, sample tracking, laboratory safety, and equipment use while ensuring compliance with institutional research and Environmental Health and Safety ( EHS ) requirements.

Equipment, Facilities & Resource Management

• Operate, maintain, and perform basic troubleshooting of field equipment, laboratory instruments, ginning and acid-delinting machinery, irrigation tools, and state vehicles.
• Manage research resources by organizing seed stocks, supplies, greenhouse and field materials, and laboratory inventories to support efficient research operations.

Collaboration & Field Operations

• Travel to research stations and off-campus facilities to assist with experimental setup, plot layout, planting, crop maintenance, data collection, and harvest activities.
• Coordinate daily research activities with cooperating scientists, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, research station staff, collaborators, and visiting scientists to support timely project completion and effective program operations.

Other Responsibilities

• Conduct ginning and acid-delinting of seed cotton; catalog, store, and prepare seed samples for field, greenhouse, and growth chamber planting.
• Travel to research stations and off-campus facilities to support field and nursery operations, including experimental design, plot layout, field marking, and planting.
• Perform mechanical and manual planting, harvesting, and seed processing of cotton in field plots, greenhouses, and controlled environments.
• Coordinate planting, breeding, harvesting, and seed processing activities with students, postdoctoral researchers, collaborators, and research station personnel.
• Prepare and maintain field plots and greenhouse materials, including envelopes, stakes, pots, growth media, reagents, and chemical solutions required for experiments.
• Conduct cotton breeding activities, including making crosses, selfing flowers, phenotyping plants and plots, and preparing samples for analysis.
• Collect, observe, measure, and record phenotypic and experimental data from field, greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory settings.
• Develop, maintain, catalog, and share digital records (e.g., Excel or Google Sheets) for phenotypic data, seed inventories, supplies, and equipment.
• Operate, maintain, and perform basic troubleshooting of field equipment, ginning and acid-delinting machinery, laboratory tools, and state vehicles.
• Prepare and maintain documentation related to chemical storage, sample tracking, laboratory safety, and equipment use.
• Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety regulations and institutional research compliance guidelines across all facilities.
• Manage program resources, including seed stocks, supplies, tools, equipment, greenhouse and field materials, and vehicles, following established protocols.
• Assist and work collaboratively with students, postdocs, visiting scientists, collaborators, and stakeholders to support research activities and compliance at work sites.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience performing cotton or other plant breeding or biology activities, including controlled crosses, selfing, phenotyping, planting, harvesting, and maintaining plant populations.
• Experience operating and performing routine maintenance or troubleshooting of agricultural, field, greenhouse, laboratory, ginning, or seed-processing equipment.
• Experience collecting, organizing, and managing research data and records using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or similar electronic data systems.
• Experience handling and documenting seed/plant samples, chemical materials, biological materials, laboratory supplies, and research equipment in accordance with established safety and compliance procedures.
• Experience coordinating research activities and priorities while working collaboratively with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, research station personnel, visiting scientists, and other research team members.

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 08/10/2026

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.) 08/14/2026

Notice to Applicants

Please make sure that the employment history entered on the application matches what is on your resume.

Special Instructions

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

Position Details

Position Number 00112245

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 MH14

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 No

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.