Research Technician - Entomology and Plant Pathology
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
NC State University is seeking a Research Technician for the Entomology and Plant Pathology department in Raleigh, NC. The role focuses on organizing lab procedures, maintaining lab safety, and supporting small fruit and tobacco IPM research efforts under the PI's supervision.
The position is time-limited up to three years, with a typical workweek of Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm, and a salary range of $34,320 - $72,734 depending on experience and qualifications.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the secondary contact for lab safety measures.
- Update lab safety plans as directed by the PI.
- Maintain inventories for the lab, greenhouse, and chemicals.
- Grow host plants in the lab and greenhouse and maintain plant health.
- Establish and maintain insect and mite lab colonies.
- Process samples from lab, greenhouse, and field studies.
- Identify arthropods under a stereomicroscope.
- Assist the PI in collecting research data during greenhouse and field studies.
Skills
Job description
Posting Number: PG194616SP
Internal Recruitment: No
Working Title: Research Technician - Entomology and Plant Pathology
Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience ($40,000 - $42,000)
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8am-5pm
Job Location
Department: Entomology and Plant Pathology
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 varied 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. View our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030 .
NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.
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.
The Research Technician will be mainly responsible for organizing and maintaining lab procedures and safety measures for the Small Fruit and Tobacco IPM Lab under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI).
- Serve as the secondary contact for lab safety measures.
- Update lab safety plans as directed by the PI.
- Maintain inventories for the lab, greenhouse, and chemicals.
- Grow host plants in the lab and greenhouse and maintain plant health.
- Establish and maintain insect and mite lab colonies.
- Process samples from lab, greenhouse, and field studies.
- Identify arthropods under a stereomicroscope.
- Assist the PI in collecting research data during greenhouse and field studies.
The incumbent will need to travel off‑site alone to observe research and must independently be able to travel from location to location without reliance on others or the advanced notice often required of alternative means of transportation.
This position will help create a solid foundation for the establishment of the new Small Fruits and Tobacco IPM Lab—a research hub dedicated to advancing integrated pest management through science‑based solutions. As a key member of our team, you’ll play a vital role in shaping innovative practices that protect crops, promote environmental health, and support growers across the region. If you’re passionate about hands‑on research, plant and insect care, and making an impact in agricultural science, we invite you to be part of this important mission.
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.
Attain Work-life balance with our
- Childcare benefits
- Wellness & Recreation Membership
- Wellness Programs
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.
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
- Experience working with insects, mites, plants, and/or microorganisms in field and laboratory settings, including growing plants, taking care of plants, and working in the field with agricultural crops.
- A strong record of independent research productivity.
- Small fruits, vegetables, and tobacco production experience, particularly with insect and mite pests.
- Experience in Plant Biology research, including growing plants.
- A valid driver’s license is required for travel and/or 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
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required? No
Job Open Date: 06/05/2025
Earliest Close Date: 06/12/2025
00111492
SHRA
Research Technician
Contributing
$ 34,320 - $ 72,734
GN06
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.
1.0
12 Month Recurring
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Yes
3 years
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 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.
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * How did you learn of this opportunity?
- NCSU Website
- Job Alert (automated email from our system)
- NCSU Executive Search Services
- Monster.com
- CareerBuilder.com
- InsideHigherEd.com
- Other Online Job Board
- Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
- Job / Career Fair
- The Chronicle of Higher Education
- Professional Journal
- Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
- Professional Organization
- Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
- NCSU Employee Referral
- Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
- Other
- If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.
(Open Ended Question)
- * Do you have a combination of training and experience required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position?
- Yes
- No
- Cover Letter
- Resume/CV
- Contact Information for References
NC STATE UNIVERSITY
RALEIGH, NC 27695
PHONE: (919) 515-2011
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