Temporary Research Summer Intern 2026 - Mills River, NC

North Carolina State University; Mills River (NC); On-site; USD 17,047 - 24,280; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Career development

Event access

Wellness programs

Job summary

North Carolina State University in Mills River, NC seeks a Temporary Research Summer Intern for hands-on support in a nursery setting. You will assist with transplanting, tissue culture projects, plot maintenance, data collection, and participation in independent research.

Field trips, conferences, and training sessions are part of the experience. The role offers exposure to plant breeding and production, with Monday–Friday hours and a $15.00 hourly rate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Interest/background in horticulture, plant materials, research, and plant breeding.
• Enrollment in a 4-year undergraduate plant sciences program or recent/soon-to-be graduate.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Transplanting and maintenance of tissue culture projects.
• Plot maintenance and data collection.
• Assist with flow cytometry and container production.
• Participate in independent research projects and field trips.
• Attend relevant conferences and training sessions.

Skills

Horticulture interest

Plant materials background

Research experience

Plant breeding

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Temporary Research Summer Intern 2026 - Mills River, NC

This role involves assisting faculty and staff to achieve annual plant production goals across a variety of nursery crops. Interns will be exposed to diverse projects and topics including plant breeding and improvement, propagation, tissue culture, and plant production. Independent research projects, field trips, and conferences may also be part of the experience.

Responsibilities

• Transplanting and maintenance of tissue culture projects
• Plot maintenance and data collection
• Assist with flow cytometry and container production
• Participate in independent research projects and field trips
• Attend relevant conferences and training sessions

Work Schedule

Monday‑Friday, 8 a.m.‑5 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong interest and background in horticulture, plant materials, research, and plant breeding
• Enrollment in a 4‑year undergraduate plant sciences program or recent/soon‑to‑be graduate
• Valid driver’s license

Compensation

Hourly rate: $15.00

Location

Mills River, NC

Benefits

• Health insurance for temporary employees
• LEAD courses to enhance career development
• Free admission to non‑revenue sporting events
• Childcare discounts, wellness & recreation membership, and wellness programs

Equal Employment Opportunity

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. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. 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.