Research Technician

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 42,971 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

A prominent university in Raleigh, NC is seeking a Research Technician to provide oversight on genomics projects related to plants. Candidates should have experience performing laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis. The position offers benefits including medical coverage and flexible spending accounts, ensuring a work-life balance. This role contributes to important research in plant evolutionary biology and requires strong compliance with laboratory practices and safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated competencies necessary to perform the work.
• Experience performing laboratory research techniques including DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight on plants grown for genomics projects.
• Assist in databasing herbarium specimens and metadata.
• Perform routine DNA isolation and quality control.
• Prepare buffers and maintain equipment for wet lab operations.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Laboratory research techniques

Data collection

Record-keeping

Data analysis

Laboratory safety practices

Tools

DNA extraction

Gel electrophoresis

Illumina library preparation

Job description

Job Title

Research Technician

Location & Schedule

Raleigh, NC – Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.

Salary Range

Commensurate with experience (¤42,971 – ¤43,000).

Department Overview

The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology supports teaching, research, and extension programs in fundamental plant biology and microbiology, including basic and applied research, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and outreach to state and national clientele. The Tiley lab studies plant evolutionary biology with an emphasis on genomics and grasses, aiming to understand the evolution of grassy biomes and genetic mechanisms, especially polyploidy, that give rise to climate resilience traits. Empirical research aims to advance basic bio variability science that has applications to conservation policy and livelihoods, while statistical and computational research focuses on method development in phylogenetics and population genomics.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 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!

Accomplish work‑life balance with childcare benefits, wellness & recreation membership, and wellness programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide day‑to‑day oversight on plants grown for specific genomics projects.
• Assist in the timely databasing of herbarium specimens and their metadata.
• Perform routine DNA isolation, purification, and quality control prior to sequencing.
• Perform library preparation for standard Illumina whole‑genome sequencing.
• Prepare root tips for chromosome squashes.
• Prepare buffers, maintain equipment, and manage purchasing for wet lab operations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety regulations and provide technical guidance to trainees in the lab.
• Assist with permits for the collection of plants and their transit within the US and internationally.

Other Responsibilities

Occasional care of plants housed at the NCSU phytotron and local field work. Training opportunities in computational biology, software testing, documentation, tutorials, and independent research projects aligned with the candidate’s goals and interests.

Minimum Experience / Education

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing laboratory research techniques, including DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis.
• Experience with data collection, record‑keeping, and basic data analysis.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices and compliance requirements.
• Experience in plant DNA isolation from dried and fresh tissue; Illumina library preparation.
• Prior experience in karyotyping and flow cytometry.

Required Certifications

None.

Other Requirements

Valid NC driver’s license: No.

Recruitment Dates & Instructions

• Job open date: 04/03/2026
• Earliest close date: 04/10/2026
• Instructions: Attach Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references. Ensure work history matches your resume.

EEO Statement

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 (919) 515‑2135 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.