Research Associate - Horticultural Science

North Carolina State University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Raleigh, NORTH CAROLINA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Information


Posting Number PG193248EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Research Associate - Horticultural Science
Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm (additional hours as needed)
Job Location Mills River, NC
Department
About the Department
As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Horticultural Science is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a diverse portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension components. 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.
Essential Job Duties
The Research Associate will have responsibilities in both research and extension.
Research (60%): The candidate will join an existing research program focusing on new/emerging crops and organics and will report directly to the principal investigator. The primary emphasis is on commercial production of truffles, native woodland botanicals, Chinese medicinal herbs, hops, and organic tomatoes. The candidate will participate in designing research methods for multiple projects and will independently conduct complex experiments at multiple locations in the field and forests. The candidate will also design data collection methods and collect, analyze, and prepare research reports and publications. Candidate will also be expected to independently prepare presentations and present at professional meetings. The incumbent will have the opportunity to collaborate in-state and regionally with other researchers, develop peer-reviewed publications, find external funding, and write grant proposals. Candidate will have primary responsibility for the research and extension components of the truffle project.
Extension (40%): The candidate will join an existing program that includes new/emerging crops, organic agriculture, and agroforestry and will develop expertise in these fields. Good communication skills are essential. Outreach will include presentations at meetings, calls, emails, and face-to-face interaction with extension agents, other technical service providers, and growers, and the development of web-based resources and newsletters covering these topics. The candidate will serve as a contact point for extension agents and growers statewide and will assist in coordinating workshops and conferences in the region.
The Reserach Associate will also propagate plants in the greenhouse and nurseries, design and install field experiments, create high-quality photo records of all projects, work closely with interns and volunteers, and be an active member of the project team.
The incumbent is expected to organize and maintain office, storage, and lab space, to purchase and maintain lab and field equipment, and manage vehicle service and maintenance. The Research Associate will also prepare annual reports, organize meetings, and present research results at stakeholder outreach and scientific meetings. The incumbent will also need to travel off-site alone to observe research and must independently be able to travel from location to location without reliance on others or the advanced notice that is often required of alternative means of transportation.
This position is located in Mills River, NC.
Other Responsibilities
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications


Minimum Education and Experience
  • Master’s Degree in Horticultural Science or a related field.
  • Minimum of three years of experience with research on growing truffles particularly Tuber melanosporum.
  • Minimum of three years of experience in research on forest farming of native botanicals, specifically ginseng, goldenseal, bloodroot, black cohosh, and ramps.
  • Experience with research on hops production.
  • Experience with research on organic vegetable production, especially stake tomatoes.
  • Experience with research on Traditional Chinese Medicinal Herb production.
  • Experience with research on hemp production.
  • Experience in extension and outreach.
  • Experience with computers and basic computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Mail Chimp, Gmail, Google applications).
  • Experience with spreadsheet and SAS statistical analysis software.
  • Experience writing, editing, and publishing newsletters in Mail Chimp.
Other Required Qualifications
  • Ability to use personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Basic lab safety knowledge.
  • Knowledge of common diseases on tomatoes.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience giving extension and outreach talks and field day demonstrations.
  • Ability to drive a manual transmission truck.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • A valid driver’s license is required for travel. Valid Driver’s License and ability to obtain an NC driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained throughout employment.
    • The incumbent will need to independently drive motor vehicles provided by NC State which will be used for travel to farms and meetings.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License required No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions


Job Open Date 02/26/2024
Anticipated Close Date Open until filled.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach a Cover Letter, CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Position Details


Position Number 00110674
Position Type EHRA Non-Faculty
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 111501 - Horticultural Science
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 [email protected] .
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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