Research Technician

Posting Number:

PG195249SP

Internal Recruitment:

No

Working Title:

Research Technician

Anticipated Hiring Range:

commensurate with experience ( $47,746–$50,000)

Work Schedule:

Mon-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm

Job Location:

Raleigh, NC

Department:

Crop and Soil Sciences

About the Department:

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences encompasses diverse disciplines in research extension and teaching. The department’s mission is to develop future leaders in crop, soil, and environmental sciences, improve crop plants and products, devise effective and sustainable crop production systems, devise effective and sustainable soil management techniques in both agriculture and urban settings; and disseminate crop, soil, and environmental science knowledge for the benefit of users and producers of food, feed turf, biofuels and fiber in North Carolina, the nation and the world.

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:

As the Research Technician, you will provide technical and operational support for applied weed science research focused on soybean and small grains. You will conduct and support field, greenhouse, and laboratory research evaluating herbicides and weed management strategies, working closely with faculty, students, research station personnel, and collaborators to support research activities and generate reliable data.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain weed science field experiments, including field preparation, plot layout, planting, crop maintenance, harvesting, and other activities necessary to maintain experimental integrity.
• Prepare, calibrate, and apply herbicide treatments according to research protocols and pesticide label requirements using backpack, CO₂-pressurized, tractor-mounted, and other application equipment.
• Operate, clean, maintain, and perform routine repairs on tractors, planters, sprayers, mowers, utility vehicles, harvest equipment, and other agricultural research equipment.
• Collect, record, and maintain accurate research data, including weed control, crop injury, weed density, crop growth, plant populations, biomass, and yield.
• Assist with greenhouse and laboratory research activities, including planting, plant maintenance, herbicide applications, sample collection, and sample processing.
• Maintain accurate records of research treatments, pesticide applications, field activities, samples, and experimental data, and maintain herbicides, supplies, equipment, and research facilities in accordance with institutional and pesticide safety requirements.
• Travel to research stations, cooperating farms, and other locations to support research trials, Extension demonstrations, and field days.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, students, research station personnel, and other collaborators to support accurate, safe, and timely completion of research activities.
  
  

If you are interested in applying your technical skills to applied weed science research and supporting field, greenhouse, and laboratory research activities, we welcome you to apply for the Research Technician position.

Other Responsibilities:

• Assist with supervision and training of temporary employees, undergraduate workers, and graduate students in field research procedures.
• Communicate field conditions, equipment issues, treatment concerns, and research observations to the supervising faculty member and research team to ensure experiments are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Support outreach activities associated with the Weed Science Program.

Minimum Experience/Education:

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in small-plot agricultural or weed science research.
• Experience operating and maintaining agricultural equipment.
• Experience collecting, organizing, and managing research data and records using ARM, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or similar electronic data systems.
• Experience coordinating research activities and priorities while working collaboratively with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, research station personnel, visiting scientists, and other research team members.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying environmental conditions while performing physically active tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

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.
• A North Carolina Pesticide Applicator License

Valid NC Driver's License required:

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?:

No

Job Open Date:

10/05/2026

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.):

10/12/2026

Notice to Applicants:

Please note that the work history on your resume, must also be included in your application.

Special Instructions:

Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Please make sure that the information entered on the application matches what is on your resume.

Position Number:

00112358

Position Type:

SHRA

Position Classification Band Title:

Research Technician

Position Classification Band Level:

Journey

Position Classification Salary Range:

$ 34,320 - $ 72,734

Salary Grade Equivalency:

MH06

Alternate Option:

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

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

Time Limited Position:

No

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 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.