Research Assistant - Entomology and Plant Pathology

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience

United States, Maryland, Laurel

Mar 14, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG193238EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Research Assistant - Entomology and Plant Pathology
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday / 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (occasional longer work days or Saturday, in case of emergency))
Job Location	Laurel, MD
Department	Entomology and Plant Pathology
About the Department	The Plant Protection and Quarantine Science and Technology ( PPQ-S&T) - Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory's ( PPCDL) mission is to provide federal confirmatory diagnostics for regulatory plant pests/pathogens; develop and validate advanced molecular and serological detection methods, and proficiency test (PT) panels for plant pests that threaten U.S. agriculture; evaluate the applicability of new, state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies in support of the agency efforts.
Essential Job Duties	Project Title: Quarantine Plant Pathogens Reference Material and Methods Development and Validation in support of APHIS PPQ safeguarding mission. The Research Assistant will work under the general supervision of a Project Leader to support projects on the development and validation of molecular and biochemical methods for the detection and identification of plant pests/pathogens, as directed. Work duties will include Conducting experimental (bench) work according to the work plan, Recording, summarizing, and reporting results in writing or orally to the Project Lead, Operating and maintaining lab equipment Maintaining greenhouse plants Cleaning and maintaining general lab areas and labware Preparing media and reagents Autoclaving The position is based at the APHIS-PPQ-S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory in Laurel, MD. The incumbent must be a U.S. citizen or have permission to work in the U.S.
Other Responsibilities	Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Master's degree in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a relevant field OR A relevant Bachelor's Degree with at least three (3) years of experience supporting relevant research.
Other Required Qualifications	Ability to plan and follow planned activities independently. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Good written and oral communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications	n/a
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	02/20/2024
Anticipated Close Date	Open until filled.
Special Instructions to Applicants	In addition to your application, applicants should submit the following: Cover Letter, CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references. The position is based at the PPCDL in Laurel, MD. US citizenship, permanent residency, or US employment authorization card (EAD) is required.

Position Details

Position Number	00110656
Position Type	Exempt Professional Staff
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	Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Department ID	111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology
AA/EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity. 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.