Research Assistant - DEPP
Job Description
Posting Number
PG193607EPInternal Recruitment
NoWorking Title
Research Assistant - DEPPAnticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with ExperienceWork Schedule
Monday - Friday (8 AM - 5 PM) or as research requiresJob Location
Mission, TexasDepartment
Entomology and Plant PathologyAbout 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 diverse 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/.
Essential Job Duties
The Research Assistant will support lab and greenhouse research at the Mission Texas Cooperating facility. The incumbent will perform and plan experiments in microbiology and pathogen detection and assist with the rearing of insect colonies and experimental plants. The incumbent will maintain experimental data and notes and assist with experimental design and implementation at the Mission, TX field site and laboratory. The incumbent will communicate results, evaluate, and collate data. The position will also contribute to quarterly reports and peer-reviewed publications.
Laboratory Maintenance and Coordination:
- Coordinate with lab members to ensure cleanliness and maintain stock levels of supplies.
- Order and manage inventory of experimental supplies.
Laboratory Biological Studies:
- Conduct biological studies under the supervisor’s direction, focusing on rearing biological control agents, sterile insect release, and other related experiments (e.g., longevity, fecundity, nutritional needs, and environmental tolerance).
- Collect data through methods such as counts, microscopic examinations, dissections, and measurements.
- Input data into computer systems, generate summary statistics (mean, median, range, standard deviation), and present findings through graphs and tables.
Field Studies:
- Perform field studies on insect population dynamics and ecology, including trapping, pest monitoring, parasitization rates, (sterile) insect mating, dispersal, and impact assessments.
- Prepare and secure field sites by coordinating with growers, scheduling ground preparation, planting, watering, and setting up necessary equipment (e.g., field cages, temperature data pods).
- Sort and identify natural enemy species recovered from field samples, and enter data into computer databases, producing summary statistics.
Development and Optimization of Insect Procedures:
- Conduct field and laboratory studies to develop, refine, and optimize insect rearing, shipping, and releasing procedures.
- Maintain and monitor supplies, equipment, and a working inventory, ensuring all are in proper working order.
- Ensure that insects are available and preconditioned for experiments, and develop detailed instructions for rearing procedures.
Event and Personnel Management:
- Schedule and organize events and personnel to execute studies as designed by program leaders and project scientists.
- Oversee field and laboratory work to ensure compliance with procedures and proper training of personnel in data collection, insect identification, data entry, and rearing techniques.
Work Environment:
- The role involves laboratory work with chemicals, often requiring the use of hoods and environmental chambers.
- Fieldwork may involve exposure to adverse weather conditions (rain, heat, humidity, wind), muddy or pesticide-treated fields, biting arthropods, and spiny vegetation.
- The incumbent may occasionally be required to wear protective clothing or gear, such as suits, masks, lab coats, boots, goggles, or gloves, to mitigate risks.
Guidance and Decision-Making:
- While procedural manuals, reference materials, scientific literature, standard operating procedures, and professional staff are available for guidance, the incumbent must exercise independent judgment in following established guidelines, solving conventional problems, and redirecting efforts to ensure accurate and reliable data.
This position is avaliable immediately and is located in Mission, Texas at a USDA facility.
Other Responsibilities
The incumbent will also need to coordinate with other lab members to maintain lab cleanliness and supply stock levels. The position will also order experimental supplies.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree, or relevant Bachelor’s degree plus 3 or more years of independent research experience, or substantiative relevant independent experience and education. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Other Required Qualifications
- Design and implement experiments in conjunction with the existing team of collaborators.
- Ability to collect, analyze and communicate data.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Biology, Entomology, Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Soil Sciences, or similar discipline with demonstrated management of experimental insect colonies and/or plant collections.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
n/a
Valid NC Driver's License required
NoCommercial Driver's License required
NoJob Open Date
08/16/2024Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach a Cover Letter, CV, and Contact information for three (3) professional references.
Position Number
00107887Position Type
EHRA Non-FacultyFull Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00Appointment
12 Month RecurringMandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse WeatherMandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Mandatory - Medical EmergenciesDepartment ID
111801 - Entomology and Plant PathologyAA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
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.
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.
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