What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Specialist position at North Carolina A&T State University?
Classification Information
Position/Classification Title
Research Specialist
Classification Type
SHRA
Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies:
N - Not Mandatory
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.
Optional Guidelines:
Contributing: 4 year degree; or an equivalent combination of training and/or related experience.
Journey: 4 year degree 1 year of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and/or related experience.
Advanced: 4 year degree 3 years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and/or related experience.
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
1. An earned MS or higher degree in horticulture, crop science, agronomy, or closely related disciplines.
2. At least two-year direct experience in field research operation at a higher education institution is preferred.
3. Horticulture background and experience are preferred.
4. Knowledge and experience in high tunnel production and maintenance is highly preferred.
5. Knowledge in plant physiology, tissue culture, pest control, and soil science is a plus.
6. Must be self-motivated, innovative and spontaneous, and capable of performing multitasks, must have a desire to learn new techniques and follow Good Filed Practices, and a strong drive to achieve results.
7. Must be accurate.
8. A team player with good oral and written communication skills.
9. Must be able to work on weekends (occasionally) as research requires.
Required License or Certification
None
Position Overview
Primary Purpose of Position
The position provides support and reports to the Principal Investigator in all aspects of field assessment of micropropagated plants and overall management of field operations (including greenhouse, high tunnel, open field, and natural wooded area). Primary functions include but are not limited to procurement of materials including chemicals and agricultural supplies, planning, field preparation and coordination with farm personnel, hosting field workshops for academic programs and stakeholders. The Research Specialist serves as a resource person on behalf of the Principal Investigator, and are responsible for overall field operations (including greenhouse, high tunnel, open field, and natural wooded area).
Primary Function of Organizational Unit
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has a rich history of innovation and application of cutting-edge technology. From our pioneering Laboratory Animal Science and Landscape Architecture programs to our award-winning Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research programs, our faculty and staff serve today’s needs while keeping an eye on the future.
With programs and expertise in such areas as biotechnology, agricultural and biosystems engineering, natural resources management, waste management, and food microbiology, the A&T College of Agriculture grows concurrently with the demand for qualified graduates. Our four academic departments are the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education; the Department of Animal Sciences; the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design. Within these departments, students will find a myriad of opportunities for classroom learning, research and field work.
Through our Agricultural Research Program and our Cooperative Extension Program, we are able to research issues of importance to North Carolina and also provide research-based outreach training to citizens across the state and around the world.
With programs and expertise in such areas as biotechnology, agricultural and biosystems engineering, natural resources management, waste management, and food microbiology, the A&T College of Agriculture grows concurrently with the demand for qualified graduates. Our four academic departments are the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education; the Department of Animal Sciences; the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design. Within these departments, students will find a myriad of opportunities for classroom learning, research and field work.
Through our Agricultural Research Program and our Cooperative Extension Program, we are able to research issues of importance to North Carolina and also provide research-based outreach training to citizens across the state and around the world.
Work Hours
8:00am- 5:00pm
Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies.
On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site)
Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies
Required Competency
Operations - Research Support
Duties
Conducting Scientific Research: Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Specialist will conduct scientific experiments in the field (including greenhouse, high tunnel, open field, and natural wooded area). Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to procurement of materials including chemicals and agricultural supplies, planning, field preparation and coordination with farm personnel, establishing field experiments, observing and maintaining field and plants, collecting data, analyzing data, preparation of reports and scientific presentations and publications, and demonstrations including clear and precise Power Point or other forms of presentations, and hosting field workshops for academic programs and stakeholders. The Field Research Operation Associate is required to report to the Principal Investigator on a daily basis.
Required Competency
Technical Support
Duties
The field operations include but are not limited to maintenance of field and plants, equipment, and tools and supplies, field safety, inventories (all related agricultural chemicals, equipment and supplies), procurement of equipment and instruments, all chemicals and supplies, and receiving. The Research Specialist gathers information from Vender(s), prepares purchase request with the approval of the principal investigator and obtains further approval signatures and forwards the purchase request to the purchasing office for processing.
Required Competency
Supervision
Duties
The Research Specialist has the responsibility in assisting and/or supervising students (doctoral and MS graduate students, undergraduate students, and interns), and for unexpected tasks, and in providing assistance in field research related laboratory and workshop preparation and teaching. The student supervision includes general supervision and instruction on various equipment and safety procedures, and field and plant maintenance. The Research Specialist supervises students (doctoral and MS graduate students, undergraduate students, and interns) that are involved in field research, and assists (by providing practical guidance) them in researches, preparation of presentations for scientific conferences. The Research Specialist is also responsible to work with and provide necessary support to visiting scientists, and provides orientation to visitors to the field, and maintains a good working relationship with other staff and faculty members throughout the university, and representatives from other institutions.
Required Competency
Knowledge - Professional/ Scientific
Duties
Professional/Scientific: Applies knowledge of research and regulatory standards to maintain a field research environment. Conducts scientific literature reviews. Applies knowledge of scientific principles to conduct research process; knowledge of field research instruments and equipment.
Required Competency
Data Analysis
Duties
Monitors and collects data as required by research protocol. Maintains appropriate documentation of research results, as require by research protocol. Recommends revisions to experimental methods based upon observations. Assists in preparation of research findings; prepares reports. Collects information for grant writing and reporting.
Required Competency
Communication
Duties
Communicates detailed outcomes and results of research in oral and written format. Assists in preparation of research findings; ability to prepare reports. Collects information for grant writing and reporting.
Position Information
Working Title
Research Specialist
Competency Level
Contributing
Position Number
009030
Recruitment Range
$41,162 - $60,191
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Appointment Type
Permanent - Full-time
FTE
40 hours/week, 12 months
If Time Limited, Appointment Length
Organizational Division
Natural Resources & Envir. Design
Organizational Location
College of Ag & Environ Sciences
Organizational Unit
Natural Resources & Envir. Design
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
SHRA3058
Open Date
11/20/2025
Close Date
11/26/2025
Special Instructions to Applicant
You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T 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. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.
Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more:
Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more:
- Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
- Community Service Leave
- Aetna – State Health Benefits of North Carolina
- NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
- Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Campus Recreation Center Discount
- University Bookstore Discount
Quick Link
https://jobs.ncat.edu/postings/38885
Salary : $41,162 - $60,191
