Temporary Cotton Breeding Research Associate

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance for Temporary Employees

Childcare discounts

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Free attendance at sports events

Job summary

North Carolina State University is seeking a Temporary Cotton Breeding Research Associate in Raleigh, NC. The successful candidate will join the cotton breeding and genetics research team, conducting advanced experiments and collaborating on gene editing projects.

Minimum qualifications include a relevant Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree with three years of experience. Benefits include health insurance for temporary employees and wellness programs. Experience with plant genetics and excellent communication skills are required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working with plants or general biology/agriculture.
• Hands-on expertise in plant genetic analyses.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced genetic and genomic experiments.
• Collaborate to develop gene knockouts using CRISPR-Cas9.
• Document and summarize results for manuscripts.

Skills

Plant genetic analyses

Basic plant molecular biology

Good written and verbal communication

Ability to work independently

Collaboration in research environments

Education

Relevant Master's degree

Relevant Bachelor's degree plus 3 years experience

Job description

Temporary Cotton Breeding Research Associate

Location: Raleigh, NC | Department: Crop Science

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.

• Conduct advanced genetic, genomic, and molecular biology experiments to determine gene structure and function and validate candidate genes.
• Plant phenotyping, harvesting and processing seed, and growing and maintaining genetic stocks in greenhouses.
• Collect tissue samples and perform DNA and RNA isolation.
• Conduct multiple sequence alignments, phylogenetic analyses, qRT‑PCR, virus‑induced gene silencing, phytochemical analyses, and basic bioinformatics analyses.
• Collaborate with team members to develop gene knockouts using CRISPR‑Cas9 genome editing technologies.
• Document and summarize results methodically and assist in writing draft manuscripts.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education:

• Relevant Master’s degree, or relevant Bachelor’s degree plus 3 or more years of relevant experience.

Required Skills, Experience, and Training:

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

Preferred:

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

Required License or Certification:

• Valid driver’s license.

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.

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.