Temporary Cotton Breeding Research Associate

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 33,062 - 39,950; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance for Temporary Employees

LEAD courses

Free attendance at non-revenue sporting events

Childcare discounts

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Wellness Programs

Job summary

NC State University in Raleigh is seeking a Temporary Cotton Breeding Research Associate. The successful candidate will perform advanced genetic, genomic, and molecular biology experiments to contribute to cotton breeding research.

The role includes responsibilities such as plant phenotyping, performing DNA and RNA isolations, and collaborating on gene knockouts using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. A Master's degree or relevant Bachelor's with experience is required.

The position offers an hourly rate of $24-$29 and various perks like health insurance and wellness programs.

Qualifications

• Relevant Master’s degree or Bachelor’s and 3+ years relevant experience.
• Experience in plant breeding, genetics, molecular biology, or genomics.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct genetic, genomic, and molecular biology experiments.
• Collaborate to develop gene knockouts using CRISPR-Cas9.
• Document and summarize results, assist in manuscript writing.

Skills

Experience with working with plants and/or general biology

Hands-on expertise in plant genetic analyses

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work well independently and collaboratively

Education

Relevant Master’s degree or Relevant Bachelor’s with 3+ years of experience

Job description

Posting Number: PG196077TM

Position Number: 11ASO3722

Position Type: Temporary

Job City & State: Raleigh, NC

Department: Crop Science

Classification Title: Temporary-Technical/Paraprofessional

Working Title: Temporary Cotton Breeding Research Associate

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Essential Job Duties: The research associate will be an integral member of the cotton breeding and genetics research team. The incumbent will play a major role in map-based cloning of agronomically important genes in cotton. Key responsibilities include conducting advanced genetic, genomic, and molecular biology experiments to determine gene structure and function to validate the candidate genes. Essential activities associated with this role include plant phenotyping; harvesting and processing seed; growing and maintaining genetic stocks in greenhouses; collecting tissue samples; performing DNA and RNA isolations; conducting multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analyses; qRT-PCR; virus-induced gene silencing; phytochemical analyses; and basic bioinformatics analyses. The research assistant is also expected to collaborate with team members to develop gene knockouts using CRISPR‑Cas9 genome editing technologies and methodically document and summarize results and assist in writing draft manuscripts.

Minimum Experience/Education:

• Relevant Master’s degree, or Relevant Bachelor’s and 3 or more years of relevant experience, relevant independent experience and education

Department Required Skills:

• Experience with working with plants and/or general biology or general agriculture
• Hands‑on expertise in plant genetic analyses or basic plant molecular biology or genomics or bioinformatics
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work well independently and in a collaborative research environment

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:

• Prior experience in performing plant breeding, plant genetics, molecular biology or genomics research and publication of results from such research

Required License or Certification:

• Valid driver’s license

Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Anticipated Hiring Range: $24‑$29/hr

Job Open Date: 06/29/2026

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits:

• Health Insurance for Temporary Employees
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non‑revenue generating sporting events for free
• Childcare discounts
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

Attain work‑life balance with our childcare discounts, wellness and recreation membership, and wellness programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

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 (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.