Research Specialist
As we've done for 125 years, NC State University continues to transform lives on campus, in North Carolina, across our nation, and throughout the world every day. With more than 34,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, NC State is a comprehensive public research university globally recognized for leadership in developing new knowledge, educating the next generation for the use of that knowledge, and applying that knowledge for the benefit of society.
Position Number: 00061900
Primary Function of Organization Unit: The Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center is located in western North Carolina near Asheville. More than forty faculty and staff, from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources, conduct research and extension programs for the departments of Entomology, Forestry, Horticultural Science, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, and Biology. The Center also houses the administrative offices for the Cooperative Extension Service West and North-Central Districts. The Center strives to help the people of western North Carolina improve their lives by conducting applied research, and developing and implementing highly effective extension programs related to agriculture, the environment, family, and community.
Essential Job Duties: This research specialist will serve as the primary support position for a research and extension program on medicinal herbs, hops, organics, vegetables, and specialty crops. This position will help develop research plans and protocols; conduct research; diagnose and develop treatment plans for disease, insect, and nutritional issues; make decisions about studies in progress; analyze and write up results; prepare and give presentations; co-author scientific publications and write grant proposals; supervise seasonal employees; and maintain inventories and budgets.
Department Required Skills : Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant pathology, crop science, or related field OR equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience with research in organic agricultural systems and a variety of horticultural crops, both edible and ornamental. Strong plant pathology background. Basic lab skills. Experience designing and implementing field experiments. Experience writing and publishing a scientific paper in a peer reviewed journal. Experience maintaining budgets. Experience with SAS, Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and Publisher. Use of pick-up trucks and cars; manual transmission.
Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education: A Master's degree in horticulture, crop science, or related field. Two years of post baccalaureate experience with agricultural field research preferred. Two or more years of experience in agricultural research on organics, medicinal herbs, vegetables, hops, truffles, woody ornamentals, cover crops, and propagation. Experience with greenhouse production and research laboratory experience. Experience with the National Organic Plan and the organic certification process. Experience writing grant proposals, creating enterprise budgets, preparing Powerpoint presentations, organizing events, giving presentations in front of large audiences, and supervising employees.
Necessary Licenses and Certifications: Valid NC Driver's License required within 14 days of hire.
AA/EOE: AA/EOE. In addition, NC State welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation or genetic information. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (919) 515-3148. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. If highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree verified at www.wes.org. Degree must be obtained prior to start date.
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.
