Research Assistant - Ornamentals (Hort Science)
Job Description
Posting Number
PG193710EPInternal Recruitment
NoWorking Title
Research Assistant - Ornamentals (Hort Science)Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with ExperienceWork Schedule
Monday - Friday / 8am - 5pm (some evenings and weekends as needed)Job Location
Mills River, NCDepartment
Horticultural ScienceAbout 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/.
The Department of Horticultural Science:
People depend on plants for food, environmental aesthetics and recreation. No matter where you live, work or play, what we do touches your life. Our faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research that increases the quality and variety of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants available to consumers worldwide. We are experts in the science, art, technology and business of growing plants. And the demand for our services is growing. Whether through hands-on instruction in our greenhouses, field labs or community gardens, our work ensures the economic and environmental sustainability for horticulture across the state, the nation and the world.
NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem-solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research, and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. You are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, and consider how your background, interest, and experience support the university and contribute to work environments that are accepting and foster belonging.
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.
Essential Job Duties
The primary responsibilities of the Research Assistant include, but are not limited to the following:
- Coordinate and support field, , and on-farm research activities for ornamental plant production cultural practices.
- Assist in the design, development, and implementation of research projects for this grant-funded position.
- Collect, analyze, and evaluate data
- Coordinate the use of special equipment (Malvern Panalytical ASD Field Spectroradiometer 4 Hi-Resolution NG, LiCorr portable photosynthesis instrument, pressure chamber, dissecting microscope).
- Provide budgetary support for grant management and work with specialized software.
- Maintain inventory.
- Write manuscripts based on research findings and present findings to stakeholders and at conferences.
- Maintain a positive demeanor.
- Extensive travel throughout the southeast of the US is required.
This position currently has funding for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal.
This position is located in Mills River, NC.
Other Responsibilities
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Master’s Degree in Horticulture or related field or bachelor’s degree with three (3) years of independent research and work experience.
- Experience (familiarity with or experience with similar equipment) with programming, construction, and maintenance of Campbell Scientific data collection equipment, and ability to learn, operate, and manage data collected and downloaded from a FieldSpec 4 portable field ready spectroradiometer used for irradiance and radiance measurements on stressed trees, a Li-Corr 6400 Portable Photosynthesis System and Scholander pressure chamber for collecting water status and gas exchange measurements on ornamental plants.
Other Required Qualifications
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently as well as contribute to a supportive team environment.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple, concurrent projects.
- Accurate record-keeping.
- Desire and willingness to learn and to rise to new challenges.
- Maintain a positive and welcoming attitude towards all members of the community.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with arthropods, specifically flatheaded appletree borers or other wood boring pests in terms of trapping, capture, mating behavior, phenology, and cultural, biological, mechanical, or chemical methods for prevention of infestation in horticultural or relevant crops.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain an North Carolina driver’s licence within 60 days of hire. A valid driver’s license must be maintained throughout employment.
This position will be required to drive a program vehicle to research stations to work on field trials, as well as drive specialized farm equipment.
Valid NC Driver's License required
YesCommercial Driver's License required
NoJob Open Date
10/03/2024Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicant required documents: Cover Letter, CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
Position Number
00108537Position 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
Non Mandatory - Emergency EventDepartment ID
111501 - Horticultural ScienceAA/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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