New

Research Assistant - DEPP

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience ($50,000 - $54,000)

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Plymouth

Dec 23, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194398EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Research Assistant - DEPP
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience ($50,000 - $54,000)
Work Schedule	Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
Job Location	Plymouth, NC
Department	Entomology and Plant Pathology
About the Department	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. Our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030 is accessible here https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cals-strategic-plan/.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. 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.
Essential Job Duties	This position will conduct applied and basic research on insect pests of field crops. Duties will include experimental design, implementation, and analysis, with a primary focus on field-based ecological research. In practice, this will require the ability to convert oral instructions for experimental outcomes into an effective field experiment. Often this involves independent selection of the proper site location, the use of heavy farm equipment modified for research purposes (from planting, maintaining, and harvesting a crop), correct layout and timing of the experiment, execution of appropriate methods for data collection, and analysis of the data. Duties will include: Nature and Scope of Research: The Research Assistant independently supports, designs, and executes fundamental, applied, and basic research activities focused on insect pests of field crops. This role involves participation in formulating research methods, including: Translating oral instructions for experimental outcomes into effective field experiments. Independent selection of proper site locations. Planning the correct layout and timing of experiments. Judgment and Discretion: The individual will work independently to collect and analyze research results for specific aspects of the project. Duties require independent judgment in the field, including: The use of heavy farm equipment modified for research purposes (for planting, maintaining, and harvesting a crop). Execution of appropriate methods for data collection and subsequent data analysis. Suggesting options for improving research quality and recommending solutions to minor problems. Scientific Contribution:The Research Assistant is expected to contribute to research publications, reports, and draft manuscripts. 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. This position is located in Plymouth, NC.
Other Responsibilities	In addition to the responsibilities listed, you will be expected to interact independently with graduate students and representatives from the agricultural industry while the PI is away for Extension responsibilities. This position will be responsible for planning work schedules based on multiple protocols and for modifying the protocols to fit the objectives.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	A Relevant Bachelor's degree in a biological or agricultural-related field and 3 or more years of relevant experience, or relevant independent experience and education.
Other Required Qualifications	Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage field-based agricultural or ecological research trials. Proficiency in accurate data collection, record keeping, and basic statistical data handling. Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot agricultural and research equipment safely. Strong organizational and time-management skills to coordinate multiple concurrent projects. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions under field conditions. Effective written and verbal communication skills for interaction with faculty, students, technicians, and industry collaborators. Ability to train, supervise, and ensure safety compliance of temporary employees and students. Willingness and physical ability to work outdoors under variable and sometimes adverse weather conditions. Demonstrated attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to research integrity. Basic computer proficiency, including spreadsheets, data entry platforms, and document preparation.
Preferred Qualifications	Experience with operating and maintaining field research equipment, and experience with ecological field experimental design. Three years of experience in agricultural-based field research. Previous management experience, including training and supervision of other staff and safety compliance, and inspections.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	A North Carolina CDL and an experimental pesticide applicator's license will be required upon hire, if not in possession.
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	Yes

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	12/22/2025
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please attach a Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and contact information for at least three professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00111786
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology
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 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.