Research Technician
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Posting Details
Job Posting Information
Posting Number PG195169SP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Research Technician
Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience ($41,851)
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department Crop and Soil Sciences
About the Department The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences encompasses varied 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 producers of food, feed, turf, biofuels and fiber in North Carolina.
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 ourEmployee 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
Tuitionand Academic Assistance
And so much more!
Attain Work-life balance with our Childcarebenefits, 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 Join the Cotton Genetics and Breeding Lab and contribute to research that advances cotton genetics, genomics, and plant breeding. As a Research Technician, you will provide essential technical and operational support across field, greenhouse, growth chamber, laboratory, and seed-processing environments. Working alongside faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborators, you will help ensure research activities are conducted safely, accurately, and efficiently while supporting the development and evaluation of improved cotton breeding materials.
Key Responsibilities
Research Operations & Technical Support
Support cotton genetics and breeding research by preparing field plots,
greenhouse materials, and controlled-environment facilities for planting,
phenotyping, harvesting, and research trials.
Perform mechanical and manual planting, harvesting, ginning, acid-
delinting, seed processing, and sample preparation while advancing and
maintaining breeding populations through controlled crosses and self-
pollination activities.
Collect, measure, and record phenotypic and experimental data from field,
greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory studies to support ongoing
research projects.
Data Management & Research Compliance
Maintain accurate electronic records for phenotypic data, seed
inventories, experimental documentation, and research activities using
tools such as Excel and Google Sheets.
Prepare and maintain documentation related to chemical storage, sample
tracking, laboratory safety, and equipment use while ensuring compliance
with institutional research and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
requirements.
Equipment, Facilities & Resource Management
Operate, maintain, and perform basic troubleshooting of field equipment,
laboratory instruments, ginning and acid-delinting machinery, irrigation
tools, and state vehicles.
Manage research resources by organizing seed stocks, supplies, greenhouse
and field materials, and laboratory inventories to support efficient
research operations.
Collaboration & Field Operations
Travel to research stations and off-campus facilities to assist with
experimental setup, plot layout, planting, crop maintenance, data
collection, and harvest activities.
Coordinate daily research activities with cooperating scientists, graduate
students, postdoctoral researchers, research station staff, collaborators,
and visiting scientists to support timely project completion and effective
program operations.
Other Responsibilities
Conduct ginning and acid-delinting of seed cotton; catalog, store, and
prepare seed samples for field, greenhouse, and growth chamber planting.
Travel to research stations and off-campus facilities to support field and
nursery operations, including experimental design, plot layout, field
marking, and planting.
Perform mechanical and manual planting, harvesting, and seed processing of
cotton in field plots, greenhouses, and controlled environments.
Coordinate planting, breeding, harvesting, and seed processing activities
with students, postdoctoral researchers, collaborators, and research
station personnel.
Prepare and maintain field plots and greenhouse materials, including
envelopes, stakes, pots, growth media, reagents, and chemical solutions
required for experiments.
Conduct cotton breeding activities, including making crosses, selfing
flowers, phenotyping plants and plots, and preparing samples for analysis.
Collect, observe, measure, and record phenotypic and experimental data
from field, greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory settings.
Develop, maintain, catalog, and share digital records (e.g., Excel or
Google Sheets) for phenotypic data, seed inventories, supplies, and
equipment.
Operate, maintain, and perform basic troubleshooting of field equipment,
ginning and acid-delinting machinery, laboratory tools, and state
vehicles.
Prepare and maintain documentation related to chemical storage, sample
tracking, laboratory safety, and equipment use.
Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety regulations and
institutional research compliance guidelines across all facilities.
Manage program resources, including seed stocks, supplies, tools,
equipment, greenhouse and field materials, and vehicles, following
established protocols.
Assist and work collaboratively with students, postdocs, visiting
scientists, collaborators, and stakeholders to support research activities
and compliance at work sites.
Qualifications
Minimum Experience/Education Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience performing cotton or other plant breeding or biology
activities, including controlled crosses, selfing, phenotyping, planting,
harvesting, and maintaining plant populations.
Experience operating and performing routine maintenance or troubleshooting
of agricultural, field, greenhouse, laboratory, ginning, or seed-
processing equipment.
Experience collecting, organizing, and managing research data and records
using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or similar electronic data systems.
Experience handling and documenting seed/plant samples, chemical
materials, biological materials, laboratory supplies, and research
equipment in accordance with established safety and compliance procedures.
Experience coordinating research activities and priorities while working
collaboratively with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, research
station personnel, visiting scientists, and other research team members.
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.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required? No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 08/10/2026
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.) 08/14/2026
Notice to Applicants Please make sure that the employment history entered on the application matches what is on your resume.
Special Instructions Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for at least three (3) professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00112245
Position Type SHRA
Position Classification Band Title Research Technician
Position Classification Band Level Contributing
Position Classification Salary Range $ 34,320 - $ 72,734
Salary Grade Equivalency MH14
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
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
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 [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
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How did you learn of this opportunity?
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Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
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If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.
(Open Ended Question)
Do you, or will you, have a valid NC Drivers license or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire?
Yes
No
Application Materials Required
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Contact Information for References
Resume/CV
Optional Documents
