1

Plant Pathologist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility ...

Research Assistant

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Entomology and Plant Pathology About the Department As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of ...

Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in a relevant field (e.g., Biology, Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Agronomy, etc.). Is Time Limited No If Yes, Appointment Length Wolfpack Perks and ...

Research Assistant

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with over 2 million vouchered insects, Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand ...

Bachelor's degree in Crop Science, Plant Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or related field. * At least three years of relevant experience. Other Required ...

Research Technician - DEPP

Raleigh, NC

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

... and Plant Pathology About the Department As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a varied portfolio of ...

... and Plant Pathology at NC State University. The position will support research by maintaining a local instances of Galaxy and Nextflow, web-based workflow management systems for bioinformatic ...

S. in biology, agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, chemistry, microbiology, entomology or related life science, with 1-5 years of relevant experience. The successful candidate should have * An ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Plant Pathologist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$38.4K

$80.3K

$112.8K

How much do plant pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant pathologist in Raleigh, NC is $80,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $80,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant pathologist?

Plant pathologists are scientists who work in agriculture and related fields. As a plant pathologist, you work both in a laboratory setting and out in the field to monitor the conditions that affect plant and crop health. In the laboratory setting, you analyze samples of plants, microorganisms, and other aspects of the natural environment. When there are soil problems or a crop disease, you make onsite visits to determine the cause of the problem and recommend best solutions to treat or eradicate the issue. You must keep up to date with the latest research and innovations in biological and agricultural sciences related to diseases or pathogens that may plague plants. Working closely with biologists, farmers, breeders, and botanists at farms, you create quality control measures and improve practices for maintaining safe environments for the plants and find ways to increase crop yields or develop disease resistance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant pathologist?

To excel as a Plant Pathologist, you need a strong background in plant biology, microbiology, and disease diagnostics, typically supported by a degree in plant pathology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, molecular diagnostic tools, and data analysis software such as PCR systems and GIS applications is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in problem-solving and collaborating with agricultural stakeholders. These abilities are vital for accurately identifying plant diseases, developing effective management strategies, and supporting sustainable agricultural production.

What are some common challenges plant pathologists face when diagnosing plant diseases in the field?

Plant pathologists often encounter challenges such as distinguishing between similar disease symptoms, environmental stresses, and pest damage, which can all present similar signs in plants. Limited access to advanced diagnostic tools in field settings can make accurate identification more difficult, requiring strong observational skills and sometimes sending samples to a laboratory for further analysis. Additionally, keeping up with emerging diseases and adapting to new pathogens can be demanding, but collaboration with other scientists and ongoing professional development help address these challenges.

What is the difference between Plant Pathologist vs Plant Biologist?

AspectPlant PathologistPlant Biologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Pathology, Ph.D. often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Botany, Plant Science, or related field; Ph.D. for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, agricultural settings, plant disease diagnosticsResearch labs, academic institutions, field studies, conservation areas
Industry UsageAgriculture, plant disease management, research institutionsResearch, academia, conservation, biotechnology

While both roles focus on plants, a Plant Pathologist specializes in diagnosing and managing plant diseases, often working in agricultural and research settings. A Plant Biologist studies plant functions, growth, and development, with broader research interests. The roles overlap in education and research but differ in their specific focus areas and applications.

What are popular job titles related to Plant Pathologist jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Plant Pathologist jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plant Pathologist jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Plant Pathologist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Plant Pathologist jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Plant Pathologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Plant Pathologist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,268 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Assistant Professor - Plant Pathology

NC State University

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Other

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Posting Information

Posting Number

Posting Number PG194816EP

Internal Recruitment

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience and credentials.

Work Schedule

Work Schedule Core Business Hours (Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) schedule will vary based on teaching and research needs.

Job Location

Department

Department Entomology and Plant Pathology

About the Department

As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a varied portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. Collectively, these strengths not only serve our clientele and our science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to the specific career interests of the student, irrespective of whether they prefer training in the basic sciences or are preparing for a career in extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique handsโ€‘on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners.

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.

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.

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor to advance its undergraduate educational mission in plant pathology while developing a complementary research program. This 9-month faculty position provides leadership in delivering and evolving the undergraduate plant pathology curriculum, integrating active learning, case-based instruction, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches to prepare students for careers and continued study in the discipline. The role includes approximately two to three courses annually, spanning foundational plant pathology instruction, team-taught and specialized courses, and the development of undergraduate and distance education offerings.

In this role, you will help shape how plant pathology is taught, experienced, and applied across the curriculum while building a research program that complements the departmentโ€™s strengths. Your scholarship may engage areas such as plant disease diagnostics and management, fungal biology, soilborne pathogens, plant disease ecology, plantโ€“soilโ€“microbe systems, or epidemiology. You will have opportunities to develop innovative teaching and research programs, create meaningful experiential learning experiences, and foster collaboration across disciplines while engaging students in discovery and inquiry.

Key Responsibilities fall within the following functional areas:

Teaching and Mentoring:

  • Deliver and modernize core undergraduate plant pathology curriculum, including PP 315 (Principles of Plant Pathology) and its laboratory component, through innovative approaches such as active learning, case studies, emerging technologies, and distance education.
  • Contribute to graduate, team-taught, and specialized courses while helping shape curriculum innovation and assessment across the program.
  • Create meaningful opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with research, discovery, and other experiential learning.
  • Mentor undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars in their academic and professional development.
  • Build and sustain an active, externally visible research program that complements departmental strengths and advances knowledge in plant pathology.
  • Develop collaborative research that engages students and connects teaching, discovery, and emerging areas such as soilborne pathogens, fungal biology, and plantโ€“soilโ€“microbe interactions.
  • Pursue scholarly work, external support, and partnerships that expand the reach and impact of your research.
  • Contribute to a culture of inquiry and discovery across the department and broader scientific community.
  • Contribute to department, college, and university priorities through service, faculty governance, and academic leadership.
  • Foster interdisciplinary collaborations and professional partnerships that strengthen teaching, research, and engagement.
  • Engage with the broader scientific community through professional leadership, manuscript and grant review, and scholarly activities.
  • Support outreach and initiatives that enhance the visibility and impact of the department and university while fostering a collegial, inclusive, and productive academic environment.

If you are an innovative educator, collaborative researcher, and engaged academic who is passionate about advancing plant pathology education and discovery, we encourage you to apply.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the departmentโ€™s operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

PhD in Plant Pathology or related field

Other Required Qualifications

  • Expertise in plant pathology or a closely related discipline, with knowledge applicable to areas such as plant disease diagnostics and management, fungal biology, soilborne pathogens, plant disease ecology, plantโ€“soilโ€“microbe systems, or epidemiology.
  • Evidence of an active scholarly agenda in plant pathology or a related field, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, manuscripts, or other recognized scholarly contributions, supporting the capacity to establish a research program that engages students, fosters collaboration, and contributes to the advancement of the plant pathology discipline.
  • Ability to effectively communicate complex plant pathology concepts through undergraduate and/or graduate teaching, research, presentations, or other scholarly and educational settings.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Innovative and effective approaches to teaching, including active learning, case-based instruction, technology-enhanced learning, or distance education.
  • Mentorship of undergraduate or graduate students through research, teaching, or other academic or professional development activities.
  • Secured external research support and/or developing collaborative research initiatives.
  • Working across disciplines and engaging with academic, industry, extension, or other partners to advance research, education, or outreach.
  • Active engagement in professional service, scholarly peer review, scientific societies, or outreach that contributes to the broader plant pathology community.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

Valid NC Driverโ€™s License

Valid NC Driver's License required

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes

Commercial Driver's License required

Commercial Driver's License required No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 08/21/2026

Anticipated Close Date

Anticipated Close Date 9/18/2026, if the posting is active we are still accepting and reviewing applications.

Position Number

Position Number 00000195

Position Type

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00

Appointment

Appointment 9 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID

Department ID 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr