Research associate Jobs in USA

Posting Details

Posting Information Posting Number PG194757EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Research Associate Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience ($55,000 - $60,000) Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm; with early mornings, evenings and weekends as research needs require Job Location Raleigh, NC (with frequent travel to field and research sites) Department Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) About the Department The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) is jointly administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Engineering at NC State University. The department actively contributes to the academic, research, and extension missions of the University. Wolfpack Perks and Benefits As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review ourand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.What we offer:

• , , and
• and

Attain Work-life balance with our benefits, , and 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 North Carolina’s coastal communities face unprecedented challenges from rising sea levels and increasingly frequent storms, yet a severe lack of salinity and water level monitoring leaves communities and vital industries guessing about flooding and the hidden threat of saltwater intrusion. To close this information gap, we are launching “See Salt,” a real-time coastal monitoring network. This initiative will unify seven existing UNC System monitoring efforts and deploy new water level and salinity sensors in critical blind spots, spanning open estuarine waters and urban storm drains to rural agricultural canals. This position is for a research associate who will support this project and its monitoring expansion efforts.

Responsibilities will include:

Aquatic Monitoring

• Develop standard operating procedures for installation and maintenance of sensors installed in ranging environments, including open estuarine waters and canals, as well as data quality assurance and quality control.
• Install, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain monitoring equipment, including routine calibration.
• Communicate with equipment manufacturers for technical support and issue resolution.
• Travel to various locations across coastal North Carolina for project-related activities; locations can include open water.
• Collaborate with local partners on sensor operation.
• Drive university vehicles as needed for fieldwork (valid driver’s license required).

Data Management and Analysis

• Assume responsibility for the custody, organization, and quality control of collected data.
• Analyze trends in salinity data.

Scientific Communication

• Collaborate with faculty, students, and research technicians across multiple UNC System institutions.
• Support community engagement events and workshops.
• Contribute to scientific presentations, manuscripts, and project reports.

Other Responsibilities

• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering Technology; Environmental Technology; Biological and Agricultural Engineering; Civil Engineering; Coastal Engineering; Marine Science; Environmental Science; or related discipline with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience, preferably as a Research Assistant, or a master’s degree, with preference for a doctorate degree.

Other Required Qualifications

• Experience in operating and troubleshooting environmental monitoring equipment.
• Experience managing field projects.
• Able to work independently on collection of data and organization of data, including identifying measurement error.
• Strong communication skills for interaction with equipment manufacturers and collaborators.
• Ability to drive in North Carolina for field work.
• Organizational skills for project management and SOP documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with water quality assessments.
• Proficiency in a coding language like R or Python.
• Experience with boat operation and trailering.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Valid NC driver’s license within 60 days of hire.

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions Job Open Date 07/15/2026 Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Position Details Position Number 00112190 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 Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 118101 - Biological And Agricultural Engineering 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 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions