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Research Assistant - Horticultural
Posting Information
Posting Number
PG194581EP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Research Assistant - Horticultural
Anticipated Hiring Range
$50,000 - $53,500
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm, may vary
Job Location
Mills River, NC
Department
Horticultural Science
About the Department
The Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station started on 14 acres in the Mills River valley in 1949, and was relocated in 1960 to its present location with increased acreage, with a new office building and a greenhouse. In 1987 a new administrative and laboratory facility was built. The Center now encompasses the research station operations and has grown to 397 acres. The Center is home to research and extension faculty and staff from six academic departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the College of Natural Resources. In addition there are District administrative offices for N.C. Cooperative Extension housed at the Center, as well as the Mountain Satellite Office of the Science House.
The growth and development of the Center is based on the success of its faculty and staff as leaders in laboratory, greenhouse and field studies vitally important to Western North Carolina’s agricultural economy. Located in the Southern Appalachians in the French Broad River basin at a base elevation of 2,069 feet, MHCREC has a varied topography and climate conducive to crop research and evaluation of cultural practices of the region. Core elements of the research program at the Center are tomatoes, apples and ornamental landscape crops. Additional research efforts include vegetables, peaches, biofuel crops, corn, soybeans as well as various specialty and alternative crops.
The growth and development of the Center is based on the success of its faculty and staff as leaders in laboratory, greenhouse and field studies vitally important to Western North Carolina’s agricultural economy. Located in the Southern Appalachians in the French Broad River basin at a base elevation of 2,069 feet, MHCREC has a varied topography and climate conducive to crop research and evaluation of cultural practices of the region. Core elements of the research program at the Center are tomatoes, apples and ornamental landscape crops. Additional research efforts include vegetables, peaches, biofuel crops, corn, soybeans as well as various specialty and alternative crops.
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 Proposition and 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.
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
We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Research Assistant to join an innovative, multi-state research team working on a US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s, Specialty Crops Research Initiative: Labor, Efficiency, Automation, and Production (LEAP) Nursery Crops Towards Sustainability, Coordinated Agriculture Project Award 2024-51181-43291. This role is time limited and ends August 31, 2029, and focuses on evaluating a cutting-edge terrestrial laser-based inventory system (TALI) designed to advance labor efficiency and sustainability in nursery crop production.
If you enjoy a mix of fieldwork, technology, data analysis, and collaboration with industry partners, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful, real-world agricultural research.
What You’ll Do
In this role, you’ll be an integral part of both the planning and execution of applied research activities. You’ll work across research sites and directly with growers to help bring innovative solutions into practice.
Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinating and implementing field and container-based research trials in nursery production systems
- Assisting with experimental design, and leading data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Collaborating with researchers, extension specialists, and growers across multiple locations Supporting the communication and dissemination of research findings through presentations and reports
Day-to-Day Activities
Your work will be dynamic and varied, including:
- Setting up and managing experiments involving cultural practices in ornamental plant production
- Conducting fieldwork at research stations and commercial nurseries throughout the southeastern U.S.
- Using advanced technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to measure and analyze plant materials
- Working with software and electronic systems, including basic troubleshooting and minor equipment repairs
- Managing and analyzing horticultural inventory data using both manual and digital tools (LiDAR)
- Supporting research related to shade and flowering tree production
- Building strong working relationships with project collaborators, growers, and stakeholders
- Preparing posters and presenting findings at conferences, trade shows, and educational events
What Makes This Role Exciting
- Be part of a forward-thinking project integrating automation and agriculture
- Gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies in plant production
- Work directly with industry partners and see research applied in real-world settings
- Travel to varied research sites and nurseries across the southeastern U.S. (with occasional overnight trips and potential travel to other regions)
Other Responsibilities
- Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree (Master of Science, thesis or non-thesis option) (Horticultural Science or closely related agriculture field, Engineering also eligible), or relevant Bachelor’s degree plus 3 or more years of independent research experience, or substantive relevant independent experience and education.
Other Required Qualifications
- Some software programming skills and experience with remote sensing instruments in agriculture
- Familiarity with agriculture internet of things, on-farm network design and construction, remote data retrieval, system problem solving
Preferred Qualifications
- A Master of Science in Horticulture is preferred. A Bachelor of Science degree is only eligible with a required 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in horticulture, agronomy, etc.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
- Valid driver’s license.
Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License required
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
04/09/2026
Anticipated Close Date
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for professional references.
Position Details
Position Number
00112001
Position Type
EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.0
Appointment
12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID
111501 - Horticultural Science
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.
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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