Research Specialist - Horticultural Science
Full Time
Mills River, NC
Posted
Job description
Job Posting Information
Posting Number
PG193258SP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Research Specialist - Horticultural Science
Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with Experience ($50,000 - $55,000)
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm
Job Location
Mills River, NC
Department
Horticultural Science
About the Department
Our faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research that increases the quality and variety of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants available to consumers worldwide. We are experts in the science, art, technology and business of growing plants. And the demand for our services is growing. Whether through hands-on instruction in our greenhouses, field labs or community gardens, our work ensures the economic and environmental sustainability for horticulture across the state, the nation and the world.
Essential Job Duties
The overall purpose of this Research Specialist position is to develop, implement, and disseminate new information, technologies, and elite nursery/landscape crops within an integrated research, teaching, and outreach, crop improvement program. Duties for this position will include managing assigned plant breeding projects, horticultural research, coordinating operations, and outreach/education activities. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Plant Breeding Project Management – 50%:
Plant Breeding Project Management – 50%:
- Manage assigned plant breeding projects, including the collaborative development of overarching breeding objectives and strategies.
- Research assigned genera including cytogenetics, phylogenetics, plant culture, propagation, germplasm diversity, resistance to diseases and insects, heritability of traits, industry needs, and breeding systems.
- Research, locate, acquire and manage suitable germplasm.
- Manage breeding stock to ensure they are properly maintained.
- Coordinate and complete pollinations.
- Schedule, track, and manage stock plants, pollen, pollinations, and seed collection.
- Coordinate handling of progeny populations including seed management, germination, and production in greenhouses, container facilities, and fields.
- Utilize tissue culture for plant breeding applications, including embryo/ovule culture, embryogenesis, regeneration, and transformation.
- Evaluate plants and populations through their life cycles.
- Winnow populations and make recurrent, elite selections for advanced breeding lines and commercial introductions.
- Collect and manage data and images.
- Maintain records on crosses, populations, and individual traits.
- Propagate top selections for regional evaluations and commercial releases.
- Coordinate evaluations and introductions with industry partners.
- Collect patent data throughout the seasons to document required features.
- Formulate plant patent descriptions.
- Participate in industry/cooperator meetings and consultations.
- Attend relevant conferences, trade shows, and symposia.
- Collaborate and coordinate activities with other staff.
Horticultural Research – 15%:
- Complete research projects relating to propagation and production, pest resistance, environmental stress tolerance, reproductive biology, cytogenetics, genetics, and plant breeding. These efforts may include literature reviews, writing grant proposals, experimental design, project implementation, data collection and record keeping, statistics and data analysis, and completing research reports and scientific manuscripts.
- Develop methods and procedures for plant tissue culture and breeding applications.
- Operate highly specialized laboratory instruments and/or equipment, e.g., flow cytometers, thermocyclers, electrophoresis, etc.
- Identify and determine methods, procedures, and techniques to support research designs.
- Plan and design data collection and statistical analyses.
- Develop research protocols.
Coordinating Operations – 25%:
- Oversee and coordinate assigned greenhouse and nursery production operations including propagation, production, and scouting and management of pests. Troubleshoot problems independently and with the larger team.
- Coordinate and supervise temporary staff.
- Maintain quality control.
- Order and maintain supplies.
- Conform to all safety requirements and practices.
- Oversee 1-5 temporary employees.
Outreach/Education – 10%:
- Provide scientific and outreach presentations to diverse groups for tours, field days, community groups and horticultural conferences.
- Assist in grant writing, proposal development, and developing outreach materials.
- Contribute to preparation of publications and/or reports.
- Instruct others in the operation of specialized equipment and/or research techniques and methodology.
- Cultivate, curate, and maintain social media presence for the larger lab.
- Train graduate students, interns, and visiting scholars on research equipment and techniques.
At present, this position is listed as time-limited for two (2) years, with a maximum time-limited status of 3 years. However, the position has the potential to become permanent if future funding is secured for its continuation.
This position will be located at Mills River, NC.
Other Responsibilities
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
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
- Advanced knowledge and training in plant breeding, genetics, reproductive biology, taxonomy, systematics, plant identification and culture, plant tissue culture, pathology and entomology, and plant commercialization.
- Attention to detail, organization, and project management skills/experience.
- Knowledge, experience and expertise in laboratory techniques, experimental design, statistical analysis, plant breeding and genetics, cytometry, cytology, plant tissue culture, and scientific writing.
- Knowledge and ability to adapt work processes and methods based on findings and literature reviews is critical.
- Knowledge, experience, and expertise in operation of plant production facilities, production of horticultural crops, entomology, plant pathology, pest and weed identification, management, communications, environmental controls, production practices, and plant propagation.
- Good communication skills in person and in digital environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- AMaster’s degree in a related field, with 2 years of experience in plant breeding and production.
- Strong knowledge of plant materials, identification, culture, and commercial applications.
- Experience with project management software (e.g., Excel, Access, Trello, Airtable, Teams, OneNote, etc.).
- Experience in marker-assisted breeding, genomic techniques, plant transformation, and gene editing.
- Experience in teaching, writing, and public speaking skills are desired.
Required License or Certification
- A valid driver’s license is required for travel. An NC driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained for the duration of the candidate’s employment.
The position will be required to drive a vehicle independently to research sites.
Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required?
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
05/11/2023
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.)
05/19/2023
Notice to Applicants
Special Instructions
Please attach a Cover Letter, CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
Position Details
Position Number
00110070
Position Type
SHRA
Position Classification Band Title
Research Specialist
Position Classification Band Level
Journey
Position Classification Salary Range
$36,363 - $87,527
Salary Grade Equivalency
GN08
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
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Time Limited Position
Yes
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
2 years
Is this position partially or fully funded on ARRA stimulus monies?
No
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 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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