Research Technician

Job Posting Information

Posting Number

PG195078SP

Internal Recruitment

No

Working Title

Research Technician

Anticipated Hiring Range

Commensurate with experience ($41,851 - $43,850)

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Job Location

Raleigh, NC

Department

Department of Crop & Soil Sciences

About the Department

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences integrates research, extension, and teaching across varied disciplines to advance agricultural and environmental systems. Its mission is to develop future leaders in crop, soil, and environmental sciences; enhance crop plants and products; and design innovative, sustainable crop production and soil management systems for agricultural and urban landscapes. The department is committed to generating and delivering science-based knowledge that serves producers and end users of food, feed, turf, biofuels, and fiber in North Carolina, across the nation, and globally.

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

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Collects and organizes research data from lab and field projects.
• Helps prepare seed samples and research materials.
• Performs seed counting, sorting, and photography.
• Prepares materials for germination testing.
• Reads and records results from germination tests.
• Assists with seedling vigor evaluations.
• Communicates with supervisors and research staff about assigned tasks, progress, and issues.
• Works scheduled hours reliably and is expected to be punctual.
• Maintains neat, precise, and detail-oriented work.
• May work evenings or weekends during phytotron studies or heavy data collection periods.

Complexity and Level of Independence Expected

• The position involves technical research responsibilities.
• No farm experience is required, but will be trained for each task.
• After training, they would be expected to complete assigned tasks with increasing independence.
• They must follow research protocols accurately and consistently.
• The role requires attention to detail for seed counting, sorting, labeling, testing, or data entry.
• Expected to recognize when something appears unusual, incomplete, or inconsistent and report it to a supervisor.
• Duties include assigned lab, field, and data-collection procedures.

Specific Research, Lab, and Field Duties

• Laboratory duties may include:
  • Counting seed samples
  • Sorting seed samples
  • Photographing seeds
  • Preparing materials for germination tests
  • Reading germination test results
  • Evaluating seedling vigor
  • Assisting with warm germination tests
  • Assisting with cool germination tests
  • Supporting phytotron studies
• Field duties may include:
  • Traveling to research stations in eastern North Carolina
  • Assisting with cotton research trials
  • Assisting with corn and soybean emergence research trials
  • Helping with research involving other crops
  • Collecting field trial data
  • Organizing trial data
  • Assisting with biostimulant applications
  • Helping with cotton harvesting
  • Supporting end-of-season field activities
• Data and technology-related duties may include:
  • Entering data into Google Docs or Excel
  • Organizing research data for review
  • Supporting AI-related data collection
  • Assisting with data collection for precision agriculture
  • Helping ensure that data records are complete and accurate

Decision-Making Authority

• Likely has limited but important decision-making authority within established protocols.
• May make routine decisions about:
  • How to organize assigned tasks
  • How to record observations clearly
  • Whether data or samples appear complete
  • When to notify a supervisor about a problem
  • When a test result, sample, or field observation appears unusual
• May be expected to exercise judgment when handling samples, recording data, and identifying potential errors.
• May, on occasion, make high-level decisions about research design, project goals, or final interpretation of results.

Specialized Technical Responsibilities

• Performs hands-on technical work related to seed science and crop research.
• Specialized responsibilities may include:
  • Germination test preparation
  • Germination test reading
  • Seedling vigor evaluation
  • Warm and cool germination testing
  • Phytotron study support
  • Seed photography
  • Seed sample organization
  • Field trial data collection
  • Biostimulant application support
  • Cotton harvesting support

Overall Summary

• The role is a hands-on research tech position involving seed science, laboratory testing, field research, and data collection.
• The position requires reliability, attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to learn technical procedures.
• The role is expected to work carefully and independently after training, while adhering to established research protocols.
• The role provides practical research experience in seed quality, crop science, and applied field research.

Other Responsibilities

• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with cotton and other crops, including having a license for drone flying.

Required License or Certification

• A valid 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

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date

06/25/2026

Earliest 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.)

07/02/2026

Notice to Applicants

Please make sure that the work history you list on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, do not use the phrase “see resume”.

Special Instructions

Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Position Details

Position Number

00112126

Position Type

SHRA

Position Classification Band Title

Research Technician

Position Classification Band Level

Contributing

Position Classification Salary Range

$ 34,320 - $ 72,734

Salary Grade Equivalency

MH04

Alternate 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)

1.00

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Mandatory - Medical Emergencies

Time Limited Position

Yes

Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)

3 years

Department Id

110901 - Crop and Soil Sciences

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.