Research Assistant - Depp

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 diverse 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 USDA APHIS PPQ Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory (PPCDL) partners with NCSU to support its mission to provide federal confirmatory diagnostics for regulatory plant pests/pathogens; develop, evaluate and validate advanced molecular and serological detection methods, and proficiency test panels for plant pests that threaten U.S. agriculture; evaluate applicability of new, state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies in support of the agency efforts.

Essential Job Duties

The Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory mission is to provide federal confirmatory diagnostics for regulatory plant pests/pathogens; develop and validate advanced molecular and serological detection methods, and proficiency test panels for plant pests that threaten U.S. agriculture; evaluate applicability of new, state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies in support of the agency efforts.

The Research Assistant will work under the general supervision of a team/project leader to support projects at APHIS-PPQ-S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory. Projects may involve the development and validation of molecular diagnostic assays for plant pathogens of regulatory concern and evaluation of new technologies for detection and identification of plant pathogens. The diagnostic technologies of interest may include, but are not limited to PCR-based tests (e.g. cPCR, RT-PCR, qPCR), isothermal assays (e.g. RPA, LAMP, CRISPR), serological assays, high throughput sequencing methods, DNA sequence and bioinformatic analysis, as well as the development of methods for sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction. The methods developed will be used by federal regulatory surveillance and eradication programs.

As directed, the incumbent will provide technical support to several staff scientists in preparing sample material, DNA/RNA extractions, running PCRs, and preparing libraries for high throughput sequencing. The incumbent will record details and results of experiments in an official laboratory notebook, enter data into computer programs, write data summary reports, and contribute to the drafting of validation reports and work instructions. Work duties will also include any combination of the following general laboratory maintenance tasks: cleaning and maintaining glassware, preparing media and reagents, preparing agarose gels, restocking and maintaining supplies, autoclaving, operating and maintaining specialized equipment, maintaining greenhouse plants.

The position is based at the APHIS-PPQ-S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory in Laurel, MD. The incumbent must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency in the U.S.

Other Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Relevant Master's Degree or a Bachelor's Degree in Plant Pathology, Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or a closely allied field plus three (3) or more years of independent research experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Experience working within a fast-paced, hybrid work environment.
• Documented experience in molecular biology techniques including genomic or plant DNA/RNA extraction, conventional and real-time PCR, and gel electrophoresis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Attention to detail, knowledge of good laboratory practices, quality management systems, and excellent technical skills.
• Ability to plan and follow planned activities independently, while working as part of a team.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, as well as good written and oral communication skills.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No