New

Research Associate - Entomology and Plant Pathology

North Carolina State University

$60,000 - $65,000

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

May 08, 2026

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194644EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Research Associate - Entomology and Plant Pathology
Anticipated Hiring Range	$60,000 - $65,000
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Entomology and Plant Pathology
About the Department	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 varied 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 Lorenzen lab is part of NC State's Genetic Pest Management ( GPM) program. We mainly focus on economically important pests of agriculture, specializing in the development of tools and techniques for use in non-model organisms. In a nutshell, my lab is a one-stop-shop for everything required to genetically engineer a new pest species.
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.
Essential Job Duties	We are seeking an outstanding, self-motivated Research Associate who will be responsible for taking the lead on an APHIS-funded project aimed at expressing antigen genes in the red flour beetle and the yellow mealworm. Specifically, the successful candidate is expected to work independently to carry out the molecular and genetic tasks required to overexpress the genes of interest, and to contribute to the design, development and deployment of new experimental protocols as required. Main tasks would be: Assist PI with design and construction of homology directed repair constructs carrying one or more antigen genes (~20-30 constructs total) Microinject precelluar insect embryos with CRISPR reagents, rear to adulthood, set up crosses and select gene edited offspring Confirm gene editing via PCR/sequencing Establish homozgous strains of flour beetle and/or mealworm carrying one or more of the above transgenes Works independently to collect data and analyze research results for specific aspects of the APHIS-funded project. Documents transformation efficiency of each construct and in bot species. Characterizes each strain to ensure antigene expression doesn't have a negative impact of fitness. Confocal microphotography with antibody to show location and relative abundance of antigene Participates in formulating research methods and suggests options for improving the quality of experimental protocols. Assists the PI in fine-tuning embryo collection protocol for mealworms Assists the PI in determining best constructs/strains for downstream use
Other Responsibilities	Duties include, but are not limited to: Writing initial drafts of research papers Assisting the PI in overseeing other research projects Mentoring students (undergraduate and graduate).

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Must have a PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or other related field. Must have experience with embryonic microinjection, flour beetle genetics, and familiarity with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
Other Required Qualifications	An in depth understanding and ability to independently perform Embryonic microinjections, carry-out Molecular Biology protocols such as Cloning, and perform High-level photo microscopy (confocal etc) are required.
Preferred Qualifications	At least 3 years experience with Tribolium (use as a genetic model). At least 5 years experience in genetics, molecular biology or biotechnology.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	05/08/2026
Anticipated Close Date	5/21/2026; if still active after this date applications are still being accepted.
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references

Position Details

Position Number	00112046
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	111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology
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.