Research Scholar - DEPP

As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a diverse portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. 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. Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners. Our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030 is accessible here https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cals-strategic-plan.

The USDA APHIS PPQ Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory partners with NCSU to support its mission to provide federal confirmatory diagnostics for regulatory plant pests/pathogens; develop, evaluate and validate advanced molecular and serological detection methods, and proficiency test (PT) panels for plant pests that threaten U.S. agriculture; evaluate applicability of new, state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies in support of the agency efforts.

The Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory mission is to provide federal confirmatory diagnostics for regulatory plant pests/pathogens; develop and validate advanced molecular and serological detection methods, and proficiency test panels for plant pests that threaten U.S. agriculture; evaluate applicability of new, state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies in support of the agency efforts.

The Research Scholar will conduct independent and original research on advanced molecular diagnostics for plant pathogens of regulatory concern to American agriculture and landscapes (including fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes) under the general guidance of a Senior Scientist. The diagnostic technologies of interest may include, but are not limited to PCR-based tests (e.g. cPCR, RT- PCR, qPCR), isothermal assays (e.g. RPA, LAMP, CRISPR), serological assays, high throughput sequencing methods, DNA sequence and bioinformatic analysis, as well as the development of methods for sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction. The methods developed will be used by federal regulatory surveillance and eradication programs. The incumbent, under the guidance of staff scientists and team leaders, will receive input from stakeholders, review available literature, select appropriate technology, and develop work plans with detailed experimental parts.

The Reserach Scholar will be responsible for the following:

Other duties as assigned.

In rare instances, an individual with a comparable professional experience but less than a master's degree, plus 8 years of exceptional relevant professional experience. May require terminal degree and licensure.

N/A

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

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.

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