Research Assistant Jobs in North Carolina

Posting Information

Posting Number PG194723EP

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title Research Assistant

Anticipated Hiring Range $55,000 - $58,000

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. As the project involves working with live insects it may be necessary to work outside regular hours as needed.

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 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 hands-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 294 faculty, 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.

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 will support a multidisciplinary research program focused on the development of CRISPR-based genetic control technologies for the New World screwworm and related blowfly species. This includes work on gene drive systems and precision-guided sterile insect techniques (pgSIT). The position integrates laboratory operations, insect colony management, biosafety compliance, and hands-on experimental support for genetic and molecular studies.

Duties Include:

Maintain fly stocks and provide staff with biological material at different stages of development when requested.
Support postdoctoral fellows by performing blow fly crosses, examining the progeny and setting additional crosses with selected offspring.
Purchase supplies.
Autoclaving insect waste.
* Supervise undergraduate students who support insect rearing.

Other Responsibilities

Responsible for ensuring that all safety/biosafety requirements are met.
Update safety plan and SOP for BUA as needed.

Minimum Education and Experience

Relevant Master’s degree OR
Relevant Bachelor’s degree and 3 or more years of relevant experience, or relevant independent experience and education

Other Required Qualifications

* Ability to:
+ Operate microscopes
+ Use pipette man
+ Work with live insects in cages
+ Operate autoclave

Preferred Qualifications

* MS in entomology or related discipline

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

* Valid NC Driver’s License

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes

Commercial Driver's License required No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date 06/17/2026

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 00112139

Position Type EPS/SAAO

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

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.