Research Specialist - Journey
Company:
North Carolina State University
Job Location:
Category:
Laboratory and Research
Type:
Adjunct/Part-Time
Join the Pack! A community with nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, and 30,000 students. NC State is one of the largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/.
Department: 110901 - Crop and Soil Sciences
Location: Raleigh, NC
Essential Job Duties:
Join our Plant Breeding and Genetics program and help develop high-performing Valencia-type peanut breeding lines for the Virginia-Carolinas region. In this role, you'll contribute to advancing yield, quality, disease resistance, and drought tolerance-while driving innovation through genomic prediction and high-throughput phenotyping methods, including drone-based imaging and data analysis.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and execute field and greenhouse experiments, including layout design, planting, maintenance, and harvest operations across research sites.
- Develop and refine data collection, genotyping, and phenotyping protocols, ensuring accuracy and consistency across environments and growing seasons.
- Perform greenhouse operations such as seeding, transplanting, and controlled crossing to develop new breeding populations.
- Utilize drone (UAV) and image-based phenotyping tools to evaluate drought stress and other agronomic traits.
- Conduct DNA extraction, molecular marker analysis, and genomic prediction modeling to support breeding decisions.
- Manage data organization, quality control, and analysis to ensure reliable results and continuous improvement of breeding lines.
If you are detail-oriented, innovative, and excited to bridge fieldwork with molecular genetics, we encourage you to apply and help shape the next generation of resilient peanut varieties.
Other Work/Responsibilities:
- Assist other research in the greenhouse, molecular lab, seed lab and the field (research stations) for improving peanut breeding lines performance including planting, selections, shelling, data analysis, database management, developing molecular assays, genome-wide sequencing and other day-to-day activities of the peanut breeding and genetics program.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Experience/Education:
Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications:
n/a
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong foundation in statistics, computer programming, and molecular biology concepts.
- Experience in experimental design and field research management.
- Skilled in data analysis and interpretation across diverse environments.
- Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research setting.
Required license or certification:
- 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.
Position Number: 00111582
AA/EEO Statement:
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 919-513-0574 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 (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.
