Research Assistant

Posting Details

Posting Information


Posting Number
PG194665EP


Internal Recruitment
No


Working Title
Research Assistant


Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with Experience ($60,000 - $61,500)


Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM


Job Location
Raleigh, NC


Department
Crop and Soil Sciences


About the Department


The Precision Sustainable Agriculture program is a network of researchers across the country collaborating to develop integrated knowledge-intensive sustainable agriculture practices into a precision framework to maximize farm productivity and sustainability through the use of an information ecology that connects farms, data, tools, and people for optimal, real-time decision making. The PSA program is housed within the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences.

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


The successful candidate will contribute to several projects in the field studying cover crop breeding and testing new technology developed by our program. The position's main responsibilities include assisting in setting up research field plots, planting, maintaining, and harvesting; in general, care of field research projects. The incumbent will ensure data collection, management guidelines, and protocols are being always met.

This position will work with equipment common in an agricultural environment and should be comfortable driving a truck and trailer at highway speeds for long distances for field work. The position will need to be familiar with methods of microplot establishment and maintenance within larger full plots. The incumbent will maintain relationships with growers to keep their interest in the research study and continue their involvement in data collection efforts. In addition, load and unload equipment, make basic repairs, and instruct research personnel on how to use equipment for experiments.

This position will supervise a team of undergraduate and temporary biweekly employees. The incumbent must possess great communication skills, and will coordinate multiple concurrent experiments, and can complete field assignments in a timely manner. The position includes approximately 40% time on campus and 60% time at field sites and is subject to change. Daily working hours may vary during peak season.

1. Field Research and Experiment Management

• Establish, plant, maintain, and harvest cover crop research plots in accordance with study protocols.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent experiments, ensuring timely execution of all field activities.
• Maintain accurate and detailed field records while adhering to established research standards and guidelines.

2. Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Operate agricultural equipment, including tractors, planters, and harvesters, to support field research activities.
• Load, transport, and unload machinery using trucks and trailers in a safe and efficient manner.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and conduct minor repairs to ensure operational readiness.

3. Data Collection and Quality Control

• Collect, organize, and manage experimental data in compliance with research protocols and quality standards.
• Monitor field plots to ensure consistency, accuracy, and integrity across test locations.
• Assist in data analysis and effectively communicate findings to research scientists.

4. Personnel Supervision and Training

• Supervise undergraduate and temporary staff engaged in field and data collection activities.
• Provide hands-on training in safety procedures, equipment operation, and research methodologies.
• Promote a collaborative, safe, and productive work environment that supports team success.

5. Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with breeding and crop science teams to implement and achieve research objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with growers and external research partners.
• Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to shifting priorities, seasonal demands, and evolving field schedules.

Other Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage junior technician and team of temporary biweekly employees.
• Cooperatively work with a varied group of crop and breeding scientists in the collection of data and communicating research results.
• Driving light equipment such as tractors and agricultural machinery.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications


Minimum Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Plant Science, Soil Science, Agronomy or related field, or a Bachelor's degree in Plant Science or Agronomy plus 4 years of experience

Other Required Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment is paramount.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and data management skills.
• Understanding of a wide variety of cropping systems across different environments.
• Thorough understanding of the agronomic research field design, and be able to organize a field for statistical soundness.
• Basic technical understanding of agronomic principles of field crops and some knowledge of the equipment used to plant and harvest such crops.
• Demonstrated ability to follow standard field protocols as well as the technical knowledge to develop and communicate new protocols as needed.
• Ability to concentrate on repetitive tasks and proper labeling of samples, as well as attention to detail and competency with field maps.
• Ability to enter and interpret data from research trials, and maintain data logging software and sensor equipment.
• Ability to coordinate multiple concurrent experiments and complete field assignments in a timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of data flow and understanding how smaller aspects of a project lend themselves to a bigger question.
• Creativity and willingness to use power tools.
• Ability to recall information about protocols in a quick and timely manner.
• Previous team management
• Data management skills and experience in Microsoft Excel

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.
• A valid Driver's License must be maintained throughout employment.

Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes


Commercial Driver's License required
No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions


Job Open Date
05/20/2026


Anticipated Close Date
Open Until Filled


Special Instructions to Applicants


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

Position Details


Position Number
00112085


Position Type
EPS/SAAO


Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00


Appointment
12 Month Recurring


Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather


Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event


Department ID
110901 - Crop and Soil Sciences


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.

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