Research Associate

Posting Details

Posting Information


Posting Number
PG194757EP


Internal Recruitment
No


Working Title
Research Associate


Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with Experience ($55,000 - $60,000)


Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm; with early mornings, evenings and weekends as research needs require


Job Location
Raleigh, NC (with frequent travel to field and research sites)


Department
Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE)


About the Department


The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) is jointly administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Engineering at NC State University. The department actively contributes to the academic, research, and extension missions of the University.

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


North Carolina's coastal communities face unprecedented challenges from rising sea levels and increasingly frequent storms, yet a severe lack of salinity and water level monitoring leaves communities and vital industries guessing about flooding and the hidden threat of saltwater intrusion. To close this information gap, we are launching "See Salt," a real-time coastal monitoring network. This initiative will unify seven existing UNC System monitoring efforts and deploy new water level and salinity sensors in critical blind spots, spanning open estuarine waters and urban storm drains to rural agricultural canals. This position is for a research associate who will support this project and its monitoring expansion efforts.

Responsibilities will include:

Aquatic Monitoring

• Develop standard operating procedures for installation and maintenance of sensors installed in ranging environments, including open estuarine waters and canals, as well as data quality assurance and quality control.
• Install, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain monitoring equipment, including routine calibration.
• Communicate with equipment manufacturers for technical support and issue resolution.
• Travel to various locations across coastal North Carolina for project-related activities; locations can include open water.
• Collaborate with local partners on sensor operation.
• Drive university vehicles as needed for fieldwork (valid driver's license required).

Data Management and Analysis

• Assume responsibility for the custody, organization, and quality control of collected data.
• Analyze trends in salinity data.

Scientific Communication

• Collaborate with faculty, students, and research technicians across multiple UNC System institutions.
• Support community engagement events and workshops.
• Contribute to scientific presentations, manuscripts, and project reports.

Other Responsibilities

• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications


Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering Technology; Environmental Technology; Biological and Agricultural Engineering; Civil Engineering; Coastal Engineering; Marine Science; Environmental Science; or related discipline with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience, preferably as a Research Assistant, or a master's degree, with preference for a doctorate degree.

Other Required Qualifications

• Experience in operating and troubleshooting environmental monitoring equipment.
• Experience managing field projects.
• Able to work independently on collection of data and organization of data, including identifying measurement error.
• Strong communication skills for interaction with equipment manufacturers and collaborators.
• Ability to drive in North Carolina for field work.
• Organizational skills for project management and SOP documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with water quality assessments.
• Proficiency in a coding language like R or Python.
• Experience with boat operation and trailering.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• Valid driver's license required.
• Valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.

Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes


Commercial Driver's License required
No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions


Job Open Date
07/15/2026


Anticipated Close Date
Open Until Filled


Special Instructions to Applicants


Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Position Details


Position Number
00112190


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
118101 - Biological And Agricultural Engineering


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 View phone number on click.appcast.io 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io .

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.