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Assistant Plant Breeder Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

NCSU

Research Technician

Raleigh, NC

$17.50 - $24/hr

Travel to research stations and off-campus facilities to assist with experimental setup, plot ... Previous experience performing cotton or other plant breeding or biology activities, including ...

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Assistant Plant Breeder information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$22.4K

$82.7K

$141K

How much do assistant plant breeder jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant plant breeder in Raleigh, NC is $82,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant plant breeder do?

An Assistant Plant Breeder supports plant breeding programs by assisting in research, data collection, field trials, and crossbreeding efforts. They help develop improved plant varieties with desirable traits such as disease resistance, higher yield, or better quality. Their tasks may include planting, pollinating, recording observations, analyzing genetic data, and maintaining breeding records. They often work in laboratories, greenhouses, or agricultural fields to support research and breeding objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant plant breeder?

To thrive as an Assistant Plant Breeder, you need a solid background in plant science, genetics, and data analysis, typically acquired through a degree in agronomy, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, field trial management systems, and specialized software like statistical analysis programs is highly valued. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are standout soft skills in this position. These abilities are crucial for designing effective experiments, accurately collecting data, and supporting the development of new plant varieties in a team-oriented environment.

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Research Technician

Raleigh, NC

NCSU
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 623 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers

Learn more about NCSUexternal

$17.50 - $24/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

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 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
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 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.
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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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