Seasonal Insect Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number
PG194815EP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Research Assistant
Anticipated Hiring Range
$48,547 - $51,000
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
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 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 serve our clientele and our science, providing a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to students' career interests in basic and translational science or extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. 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 Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhance our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners. Our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030 is accessible here https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cals-strategic-plan/.
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 Propositionand 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
The Research Assistant plays a key role in advancing the Turfgrass Entomology Program's laboratory, greenhouse, and field research. Working in collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI), this position independently coordinates multiple concurrent research projects, exercises scientific judgment, and ensures research activities are implemented with quality, accuracy, and efficiency. The position supports externally funded research and Extension programming by coordinating field trials, evaluating research data, maintaining research operations, and contributing to the communication and dissemination of findings.
Key Responsibilities
Applied Research & Field Trial Coordination

• Independently coordinate laboratory, greenhouse, and field research, including scheduling seasonal field operations, implementing experimental protocols, and monitoring trial quality and integrity.
• Collect, validate, organize, and interpret research data; perform preliminary statistical analyses and recommend modifications to improve research quality and methodology.
• Serve as the primary field coordinator for multiple concurrent research projects, ensuring timely implementation of experiments and resolving novel research challenges.

Laboratory & Research Operations

• Maintain laboratory and field equipment, inventories, insect colonies, and research materials while ensuring adherence to laboratory safety, quality assurance, and EHS requirements.
• Coordinate pesticide applications and equipment calibration and support field operations using appropriate pest management practices.

Research Communication & Extension Support

• Prepare research summaries, presentations, online educational materials, manuscripts, grant reports, and Extension publications in support of program activities.
• Support field days and stakeholder demonstrations and contribute to the dissemination of research findings.

Training & Program Support

• Train undergraduate employees and supervise temporary workers in established research procedures and practices.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), research documentation, and other materials that support consistent and compliant program operations.
• Contribute intellectually to publications and grant development and assist the PI with research direction, methodology, and interpretation of complex scientific data.

If you are a research professional with hands-on experience in turfgrass entomology, a strong understanding of insect pests affecting turfgrass ecosystems, and the ability to apply scientific judgment to laboratory, greenhouse, and field research, we invite you to apply. If you enjoy solving research problems, coordinating complex field activities, and contributing to research that supports both scientific discovery and Extension programming, this position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Other Responsibilities
In collaboration with PI and oversight:

• Exercises independent scientific judgment, not just implementation.
• Makes decisions affecting research direction or methodology.
• Interprets complex scientific data.
• Solves novel research problems.
• Contributes intellectually to publications and grant development.
• Requires specialized knowledge gained through an advanced scientific degree (or equivalent professional expertise).

Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience

• Masters Degree

OR

• Bachelors Degree with three years of relevant experience

Other Required Qualifications

• Turfgrass Entomology Lab Operations: 1+ years of hands-on experience working within a turfgrass entomology laboratory setting, including standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Insect Pest Complexes Identification: Practical knowledge of insect pest complexes specifically affecting turfgrass ecosystems, including identification, life cycles, and damage assessment.
• Field Operations & Licensing
• Pesticide/Chemical Application: Knowledge of proper ground application techniques for pest control in turf management.
• Ground Applicator Licensure (Preferred): Possession of (or the ability to readily obtain) a valid commercial ground applicator license for pesticide and chemical distribution.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience working in a turfgrass entomology lab with knowledge of insect pest complexes. Commercial ground applicator license holder preferred.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• North Carolina driver's license

Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License required
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
08/13/2026
Anticipated Close Date
Open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references.
Position Details
Position Number
00112261
Position Type
EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
0.85
Appointment
12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
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.