Temporary Research Associate

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance for Temporary Employees

Childcare discounts

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Job summary

NC State University seeks a candidate to conduct field and greenhouse trials aimed at evaluating methods for detoxifying herbicide residues in irrigation water. Responsibilities include managing experiments, processing solutions, and maintaining accurate records of plant responses.

A Relevant Master’s degree or a Bachelor’s with at least three years of experience is necessary, alongside competencies in laboratory practices and plant care. Various benefits such as health insurance and childcare discounts are also provided.

Qualifications

• Relevant Master’s degree or Bachelor's with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Ability to work independently and write reports.
• Experience with plant propagation and growth management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and greenhouse trials for water detoxification methods.
• Prepare and process solutions using ozone and activated carbon.
• Monitor and document plant responses in experiments.

Skills

Ability to work independently

Experience in self-directed research

Competency in common laboratory practices

Experience with plant care

Experience with Microsoft Office

Education

Relevant Master’s degree

Relevant Bachelor’s with 3+ years of experience

Job description

Essential Job Duties

Primary Purpose of the Position: The individual hired into this position will conduct field and greenhouse trials to evaluate and characterize methods for detoxification of herbicide residues in irrigation water.

The employee will have primary responsibility to conduct experiments to compare the effectiveness of water detoxification treatments. These experiments will be conducted in greenhouse and outdoor container settings.

• Prepare stock solutions and dilutions used in experiments
• Process diluted solutions through ozone or activated carbon systems
• Operate and maintain ozone generating equipment and activated carbon filtration systems (training on the use of these systems to be provided)
• Package, label and ship water samples for chemical residue analyses
• Conduct bioassays to assess in situ toxicity of water samples from ozone and carbon treatments. Includes potting, planting and maintenance of plants; experimental design; data collection and analysis; and reporting
• Ensure all experiments are conducted using valid experimental designs, procedures and practices
• Monitor and document plant responses to treatments, record data, data entry, statistical analysis, and generate narrative and graphical summaries
• Maintain accurate and up to date records of experiments and activities
• Maintain laboratory chemical inventories and supply inventories
• Propagate plants for use in bioassay studies
• Generate a summary report for each experiment
• Assist in writing reports and research manuscript preparation

Additional Duties

The position will be part of the Gannon laboratory team and will occasionally assist other team members with laboratory or field projects.

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, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving community

Minimum Experience / Education

• Relevant Master’s degree, or Relevant Bachelor’s with 3 or more years of relevant professional experience

Required Department Skills

• Ability to work independently to conduct moderately complex experiments, contribute to method development, and write reports and manuscripts
• Experience in self-directed research projects in any related field of study – including literature review, design and implementation of experiments, data analysis and reporting
• Competency in common laboratory practices – including solvent dilutions, pH testing, mathematics necessary for serial and log dilutions, safe handling of chemicals, and recordkeeping
• Experience with plant care, specifically plant propagation, plant growth in soilless systems, irrigation and fertility management
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds on a routine basis
• Ability to work in greenhouse and outdoors in varying conditions (heat, rain, humidity, etc.)
• Must have visual acuity to observe plant growth and development to document changes in plant growth, form and color

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• M.S. in a related field with experience in water‑quality research is preferred
• Experience with statistical methods and interpretation of statistical analyses
• Knowledge of herbicide injury symptoms
• Experience with pesticide application methods and equipment

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid driver’s license

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.