Posting Details

Posting Information

Vacancy TypeEHRA Non-FacultyIs Internal Transfer OnlyNoWorking TitleResearch Associate- Subtropical Plant PathologySalary RangeAnticipated Hiring RangeCommensurate with experiencePosition Number00107747Work ScheduleMonday- Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; additional hours as neededFull Time Equivalent (FTE)1.0Department113810 - Integrated Pest Mgmt-ResearchDepartmentIntegrated Pest Mgmt-ResearchJob City & StateFort Pierce, FloridaPrimary Function of Organizational Unit

The Subtropical Plant Pathology Unit of the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, Florida is the under the direct supervision of the Research Leader (RL) of Plant Pathology to whom the incumbent will report. The Research Laboratory is responsible for research on etiology, epidemiology, and modeling of host pathogen interaction aimed at improving plant production of a number of agronomic crops.

Essential Job Duties

The purpose of the position is to extend the studies on plant-pathogen interactions and epidemiological aimed at developing improved detection and control strategies.

As a Research Associate, this position will be responsible for:

• Active participation in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of microbiological, epidemiological, and molecular techniques for laboratory, greenhouse or field experiments. The duty station will be the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory on vegetable seed pathogens will be conducted in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field and occasionally must be conducted in quarantine facilities.

• Independent performance of protocols for molecular and epidemiological studies using specialized equipment such as real-time PCR apparatus, thermocycler, nano drop, ultra centrifuge, spectrophotometer, compound and stereo microscopes, incubators, and have the ability to adjust protocols and develop new methods when necessary.

• Independent performance of statistical analyses of experimental data using general statistical packages as well as specific software supplied by the lead scientist, tabulation and summarization of statistical output, preparation of graphical presentation of results and aid in preparation of written reports.

• In collaboration with other Research personnel and Technicians in conduct of laboratory, field, or greenhouse research, and assurance that they comply with procedures for research conduct under quarantine conditions.

This position is located in Fort Pierce, Florida

Other Work/Responsibilities

• Actively participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment, common to the assigned area of work, and contributes ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the research.
• Conduct seed pathogen assays and packinghouse studies on bacterial, fungal, and viral survival and conducts microbiological and molecular assays on disease samples via traditional and real-time PCR.
• Adapt, modify or develop new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project. Perform the full range of techniques and study which may include using a variety of specialized equipment such as GPS devices, high speed and ultra-centrifuge, spectrophotometer, spore trap, high-pressure liquid chromatograph, thermocycler, Nano-drop spectrophotometer, traditional and real-time PCR systems, centrifuge, balance, incubator, etc.
• Calibrate and synchronize equipment to achieve desired results. Maintain, calibrate and modify complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures.
• Independently initiates action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results, or recommends resolution to supervisor.
• Searches for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse.
• Collect, prepare, evaluate and verify samples and supporting records. Maintain records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Keep detailed records of experimental data. Tabulate, statistically analyze and summarize data using personal computers and software packages. Independently goes to the field and/or greenhouse and collects samples.

Minimum Education/Experience

Master’s degree OR Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, botany, plant pathology or other biological science or alternatively in statistics, biostatistics or computer science with at least three years of relevant experience.

Must possess experience working in an agricultural research laboratory.

Departmental Required Skills

• Proficiency required with computer software and hardware, and statistical analysis, with practical knowledge of the principles and techniques used in plant pathology such as knowledge of the axenic culture using sterile technique in maintaining, transferring, inoculating microorganisms and assessing disease symptoms and disease incidence in plants.
• Competent in full range of techniques which may include using a variety of specialized equipment such as GPS devices, high speed and ultra-centrifuge, spectrophotometer, spore trap, high-pressure liquid chromatograph, thermocycler, Nano-drop spectrophotometer, traditional and real-time PCR systems, centrifuge, balance, incubator, etc.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or similar product.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills
• Must be able to work well alone and within a team environment

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education

• At least five years experience working in an agricultural research laboratory is preferred.
• Experience with citrus or tree fruits is preferred.

Required License or Certification

N/A

Special Instructions

Please upload the following documents in support of your application:

1) Cover letter
2) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
3) Contact information for professional references

Job Open Date08/28/2019Anticipated Closing DateIs this position partially or fully funded on ARRA stimulus monies?NoProposed Hire Date10/01/2019AA/EOE

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related 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 equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. 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.

Supplemental Question

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you learn of this opportunity?
   • NCSU Website
   • NCSU Executive Search Services
   • Monster.com
   • CareerBuilder.com
   • InsideHigherEd.com
   • Other Online Job Board
   • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
   • Job / Career Fair
   • The Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Professional Journal
   • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
   • Professional Organization
   • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
   • NCSU Employee Referral
   • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
   • Other
2. If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * Do you have (or will have by hire date) a post-baccalaureate degree in biology, microbiology, botany, plant pathology or other biological science or alternatively in statistics, biostatistics or computer scienceORa Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, botany, plant pathology or other biological science or alternatively in statistics, biostatistics or computer science with at least three years of relevant experience?
   • Yes
   • No

Application Materials RequiredRequired Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Contact Information for References

Optional Documents