North Carolina State University, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology · North Carolina · seasonal · posted today
Field technician position in Plant Evolutionary Ecology Department of Plant and Microbial Biology North Carolina State University The Sheth plant evolutionary ecology lab in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) is currently seeking 1-2 enthusiastic field technicians to participate in an NSF-funded study under the direction of Dr. Seema Sheth and in collaboration with Drs. Susana Wadgymar (Davidson College), Jill Anderson (University of Georgia), Megan DeMarche (University of Georgia), and Emily Josephs (Michigan State University). The project combines approaches from evolutionary biology, field ecology, and population genomics in a broadly distributed native plant species (Chamaecrista fasciculata, Fabaceae) to forecast population dynamics range-wide under climate change. The technician will be part of a dynamic, dedicated, and engaged research group as well as a member of a multidisciplinary and multi-institution collaborative group that includes Botanic Garden and conservation professionals. Dates: February 1, 2027 through November 30, 2027 (exact dates flexible) Location: Raleigh and Chapel Hill, North Carolina Pay: $20/hour Expected duties: The successful candidate will contribute to a collaborative study of eco-evolutionary responses to climate in the partridge pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata, an annual legume that grows in disturbed habitats in central and eastern North America. The technician’s primary responsibilities involve collaborating with the PIs and other researchers to establish and maintain a large common garden experiment and to collect data from ~6,000 transplanted seeds at Mason Farm Biological Reserve in Chapel Hill, NC. This work includes preparing seeds for planting, planting seeds, setting up the garden infrastructure, building open-top chambers, collecting data on traits and fitness, entering data, maintenance tasks in the garden (e.g., weeding), processing samples in the lab, and communicating with Dr. Sheth and other team members. The technician will also have opportunities to train and mentor undergraduate students and work with graduate students. Required qualifications - Previous experience with field research in ecology, evolution, and/or botany - Bachelor’s degree in ecology, evolutionary biology, botany, or a related field - Valid US driver’s license - Ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions for long days - Previous experience with field research in ecology, evolution, and/or botany - Attention to detail; precise, neat work; ability to perform repetitive tasks - Excellent problem-solving and communication skills Preferred qualifications - Coursework in ecology, plant biology, genetics, or related fields - Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs - Desire to train and mentor other team members - Comfortable with manual labor, including but not limited to using common tools, light carpentry, and gardening/landscaping techniques - Experience with troubleshooting in the field Commitment to field safety: We are committed to providing a safe field work experience for all members of the collaborative team. We are happy to discuss and address any safety-related concerns you have. About NC State and the Raleigh area: NC State’s Department of Plant and Microbial Biology offers a highly-rated research environment and is situated in a collaborative and scientifically stimulating atmosphere in the Research Triangle, with both UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University nearby. Raleigh is a lively yet affordable city with a high standard of living, and its surroundings offer numerous recreational activities. To apply: Please email the following materials to https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/235893: Applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered. 1. a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position (including your available dates), 2. current CV or resume (with relevant coursework included), and 3. contact information (phone number and email address) for 2 references. Review of applications will begin on November 10 and continue until the position is filled. Due to the large volume of applicants, we will not be able to respond to individual emails about this position or meet with applicants prior to submission of application materials.
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