NC
Postdoc Position

Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Deadline
Apr 11, 2027
Closing in 174 days
Location
N/A
United States
Employment
Fixed contract (1-4 years)
Full time
Reference
N/A
Posted Oct 13, 2026

About the role

Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Posting Details

Position Information
Posting Number PG191787PD
Position Number 00112384
Position Type Post Doc
FLSA Exempt
Departmental Information
Department ID 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology
Department 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology
Job City & State Raleigh, NC

Position Information

Position Overview
Essential Job Duties Organization/Department OverviewThe Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (EPP) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at North Carolina State University is a Land-Grant University department with more than 40 faculty engaged in teaching, research, and extension programs addressing issues in entomology, plant pathology, and related biological sciences. The Department provides a rich environment for undergraduate and graduate education, research training, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with opportunities to apply current technologies and approaches in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings. EPP houses several specialized facilities and resources that support research, education, and extension, including the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, Insect Museum, and Center for Integrated Fungal Research. The Department’s programs are supported by the broader resources of CALS, which includes 12 academic departments, extensive research facilities, and research stations located throughout North Carolina that facilitate collaboration with agricultural producers, stakeholders, and industry partners.
Primary Purpose of Position

The Postdoctoral Scholar will contribute to the interdisciplinary research project “Characterization of the Maize Pattern-Triggered Immunity Response.” The position will investigate the genetic, molecular, and microbiological mechanisms underlying pattern-triggered immunity in maize through research conducted in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings.The scholar will work collaboratively with Dr. Anna Whitfield and Dr. Peter Balint-Kurti at North Carolina State University, as well as collaborators at the University of Illinois under the supervision of Dr. Tiffany Jamann. Specific research objectives and experimental approaches will be developed in consultation with the principal investigators and will evolve based on project needs and research findings. The scholar will be expected to exercise scientific independence in planning and conducting experiments, interpreting results, communicating findings, and contributing to scholarly publications.

Duties and Responsibilities:


Planning and Conducting Research – 60%
  • Plan and conduct research in genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, and plant-microbe interactions in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments.
  • Develop and execute controlled experiments designed to address project objectives and research questions.
  • Apply appropriate experimental designs, controls, protocols, and methodologies to ensure the quality and reproducibility of research findings.
  • Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and organized records of experimental procedures, observations, and results.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot experimental approaches and modify research methods as appropriate based on results and project needs.
  • Collaborate with principal investigators, project team members, and external collaborators to coordinate research activities and advance project objectives.
Interpreting, Presenting, and Publishing Research Results – 40%
  • Analyze and interpret experimental results using appropriate scientific approaches and in consultation with project investigators and collaborators.
  • Communicate research findings to principal investigators, collaborators, laboratory and departmental audiences, and other scientific stakeholders.
  • Present research findings at professional meetings, conferences, seminars, and other scientific venues.
  • Prepare research reports, abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Lead and contribute to the development, revision, and submission of manuscripts and other scholarly products resulting from the research.
  • Incorporate feedback from collaborators and peer review
Other Work/Responsibilities
  • The Postdoctoral Scholar will participate in research meetings, project discussions, seminars, and other professional development activities within the Department and with collaborating institutions.
  • The scholar will contribute to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, maintain appropriate research and laboratory records, and comply with university, laboratory, and research-related policies and procedures.
  • The position may also involve mentoring or providing guidance to graduate and undergraduate students participating in related research activities, as appropriate.
  • The scholar will be expected to maintain professional expertise through engagement with current scientific literature, professional organizations, conferences, and other scholarly activities relevant to the project.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perksdesigned to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement and Leave
  • Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
  • Enhance your career with LEAD courses
  • Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.

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.
Requirements and Preferences
Work Schedule Monday - Friday / 8am - 5pm
Department Required Skills Ph.D in Genetics, Plant Biology, Plant Pathology or related discipline
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
  • Skills in Molecular biology (manipulation of DNA , RNA and proteins), Plant Pathology, Microbiology and detailed understanding of mendelian and quantitative genetics
  • Skills in statistical data analysis
Required License or Certification NC Driver’s License
Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Recruitment

Recruitment Details
Anticipated Hiring Range $58,656-$62,000
If you anticipate multiple hires from this search, please indicate how many
Recruitment Dates
Job Open Date 10/12/2026
Applicant Information
Quick Link https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/236088
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 [email protected].

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.

Supplemental Questions

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
    • HERC
    • 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. * According to our university's regulations, a postdoctoral scholar needs to have successfully completed their terminal degree no more than 5 years from the start date of their appointment. Given this, please provide the date (MM/DD/YYYY) your terminal degree has been or will be confirmed.

    (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
Optional Documents

How to apply

Read the full posting, then apply through the employer's own site. Applications are handled by the institution, not by AcademicGates.