Research Specialist - Journey
Job Description
Posting Number
PG194705SPInternal Recruitment
NoWorking Title
Research Specialist - JourneyAnticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with experience ($50,000 to $54,162 at 0.80 FTE, 32 hours per week)Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pmJob Location
Raleigh, NCDepartment
Crop and Soil SciencesAbout the Department
The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences encompasses varied disciplines in research and teaching. The department’s mission is to develop future leaders in crop, soil, and environmental sciences, improve crop plants and products, and devise effective and sustainable crop production systems and soil management techniques in both agriculture and urban settings. Additionally, we aim to disseminate knowledge in crop, soil, and environmental sciences for the benefit of users and producers of food, feed, turf, biofuels, and fiber in North Carolina, across the nation, and around the world.
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.
What we offer:
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
- Tuitionand 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
Join our Plant Breeding and Genetics program and help develop high-performing Valencia-type peanut breeding lines for the Virginia-Carolinas region. In this role, you’ll contribute to advancing yield, quality, disease resistance, and drought tolerance—while driving innovation through genomic prediction and high-throughput phenotyping methods, including drone-based imaging and data analysis.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and execute field and greenhouse experiments, including layout design, planting, maintenance, and harvest operations across research sites.
- Develop and refine data collection, genotyping, and phenotyping protocols, ensuring accuracy and consistency across environments and growing seasons.
- Perform greenhouse operations such as seeding, transplanting, and controlled crossing to develop new breeding populations.
- Utilize drone (UAV) and image-based phenotyping tools to evaluate drought stress and other agronomic traits.
- Conduct DNA extraction, molecular marker analysis, and genomic prediction modeling to support breeding decisions.
- Manage data organization, quality control, and analysis to ensure reliable results and continuous improvement of breeding lines.
If you are detail-oriented, innovative, and excited to bridge fieldwork with molecular genetics, we encourage you to apply and help shape the next generation of resilient peanut varieties.
Other Responsibilities
- Assist other research in the greenhouse, molecular lab, seed lab and the field (research stations) for improving peanut breeding lines performance including planting, selections, shelling, data analysis, database management, developing molecular assays, genome-wide sequencing and other day-to-day activities of the peanut breeding and genetics program.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Experience/Education
Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Other Required Qualifications
n/a
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong foundation in statistics, computer programming, and molecular biology concepts.
- Experience in experimental design and field research management.
- Skilled in data analysis and interpretation across diverse environments.
- Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research setting.
Required License or Certification
- A valid NC Driver’s License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver’s License within 60 days of hire.
- A valid Driver’s License must be maintained throughout employment.
Valid NC Driver's License required
YesCommercial Driver's License Required?
NoJob Open Date
10/03/2025Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)
10/10/2025Notice to Applicants
Please note that the work history on your resume must also be included in your application.
Special Instructions
Please attach a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for at least three (3) professional references.
Position Number
00111582Position Type
SHRAPosition Classification Band Title
Research SpecialistPosition Classification Band Level
JourneyPosition Classification Salary Range
$ 45,454 - $ 109,409Salary Grade Equivalency
MH15Alternate Option
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
0.80Appointment
12 Month RecurringMandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse WeatherMandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency EventTime Limited Position
YesTime-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
3 yearsDepartment Id
110901 - Crop and Soil SciencesEEO
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.
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.
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