Research Associate

Research Associate

Attach a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for professional references.

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology seeks a Research Associate to support the Mountain Horticultural Pathology Laboratory at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, North Carolina. This position conducts applied research focused on plant diseases affecting fruit and vegetable crops, including disease diagnostics, pathogen biology, resistance monitoring, and evaluation of disease management strategies.

In this role, you will independently coordinate laboratory, greenhouse, and field research activities while collaborating with faculty, Extension personnel, industry partners, and growers to address emerging disease challenges impacting North Carolina's horticultural production systems. You will apply your plant pathology expertise to investigate disease issues affecting commercial fruit and vegetable crops, conduct diagnostic and resistance screening activities, and evaluate disease management strategies through applied research. Your work will contribute to disease management recommendations, Extension resources, and stakeholder education efforts that support growers and agricultural professionals across North Carolina.

Key responsibilities fall within the core functional areas outlined below:

• Applied Plant Pathology Research: Conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field research evaluating disease management strategies for fruit and vegetable crops.
• Design and implement research trials involving pathogen identification, disease diagnostics, fungicide and bactericide efficacy, and resistance monitoring.
• Analyze research findings and contribute to technical reports, publications, Extension resources, and research communications.
• Disease Diagnostics and Laboratory Operations: Provide disease diagnostic support using morphological, molecular, and culture-based methods.
• Develop and apply diagnostic and resistance screening approaches to support plant disease management efforts.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including equipment, supplies, quality assurance practices, and safety protocols.
• Extension and Stakeholder Engagement: Translate research findings into practical disease management recommendations for growers, Extension professionals, and industry partners.
• Support development of Extension resources, disease alerts, training materials, and educational programs.
• Participate in field days, grower meetings, workshops, and other stakeholder outreach activities.
• Research Coordination and Supervision: Coordinate laboratory and field research activities, including project implementation, data collection, and workflow management.
• Supervise temporary employees, undergraduate assistants, interns, and student workers supporting research activities.
• Assist with research-related purchasing, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and compliance activities.

This position requires regular work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments, including exposure to varying weather conditions. The role may require lifting up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation and the use of required personal protective equipment, including respirators.

Join a collaborative team advancing disease management solutions that support North Carolina's growers through innovative research, diagnostics, and Extension outreach. If you are interested in applying research to real-world agricultural challenges, we invite you to apply.

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there will be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. Some of those duties will include:

• Providing temporary technical and Extension support for disease management programs during periods of faculty transition or programmatic need.
• Supporting additional disease diagnostics, field evaluations, and disease management activities for commercial fruit and vegetable crops.
• Assisting with development of NC Cooperative Extension Agent training events and other stakeholder education activities.
• Contributing to additional laboratory and research activities, including development of disease screening methods and evaluation approaches, as needed.

This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor degree with 4+ years working in the field of extension and applied research plant pathology. OR Master's degree with 2 years working in the field of extension and applied research plant pathology.

Other Required Qualifications: Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey research findings, technical information, and recommendations to a variety of audiences. Effective organizational and project management skills, with the capacity to coordinate research activities, manage competing priorities, and meet established deadlines. Experience independently managing multiple concurrent research projects, including prioritizing activities and coordinating resources to support project objectives. Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate research data, interpret results, and identify appropriate solutions to scientific challenges. Collaborative approach to research and stakeholder engagement, with the ability to build productive working relationships with faculty, Extension personnel, industry partners, and agricultural stakeholders. Proficiency with statistical software and Microsoft Office applications to support research analysis, documentation, and reporting activities.

Preferred Qualifications: Progressive experience in applied plant pathology research, with 4–6 years supporting research activities related to plant disease evaluation, diagnostics, or management. Knowledge of vegetable, fruit, or specialty crop pathology, including disease identification, evaluation, and management approaches. Proficiency in molecular diagnostic techniques, including PCR, qPCR, sequencing, and pathogen identification methods. Independent research coordination experience, with the ability to manage projects from initiation through data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Demonstrated scientific communication skills, including preparation of manuscripts, technical reports, grant proposals, or other research-based publications. Supervisory experience supporting research personnel, including technicians, undergraduate employees, interns, or temporary staff. Ability to communicate research findings effectively, through presentations to scientific audiences, Extension professionals, industry partners, and other stakeholders.

Required License(s) or Certification(s): Valid NC drivers license NC Pesticide Applicator's License within 120 days of hire.

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date - 07/29/2026

Anticipated Close Date - 8/11/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications

Special Instructions to Applicants - Attach a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for professional references.

Position Details

Position Number - 00104261

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 - 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology

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