Temporary Plant Evolutionary Ecology Field Technician

Posting Number

PG196251TM

Position Number

11ASO3763

Position Type

Temporary

Essential Job Duties

The Sheth plant evolutionary ecology lab in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) is currently seeking field technician to participate in an NSF -funded study ( https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2220928&HistoricalAwards=false ) 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.

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.

Start/End Dates: Exact start and end dates are flexible; this is a time-limited appointment for a maximum of 11 months. Work Schedule: Working hours are typically between 6-7 AM and 5-6 PM Monday through Friday, but there may be occasional need for hours before or after these times, and on weekends. Review of applications will begin immediately 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.

Is Time Limited

Yes

If Yes, Appointment Length

Up to 11 months

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:

• Health Insurance for Temporary Employees
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare discounts , 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.

Job City & State

Raleigh, NC and Chapel Hill, NC

Department

Plant and Microbial Biology

Classification Title

Temporary-Technical/Paraprofessional

Working Title

Temporary Plant Evolutionary Ecology Field Technician

Work Schedule

40/hrs per week

Other Work/Responsibilities

• n/a

Minimum Experience/Education

• Combination of training and experience required to perform the duties

Department Required Skills

• Previous experience with field research in ecology, evolution, and/or botany
• Knowledge of concepts surrounding ecology, evolution, and/or botany
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions
• Attention to detail; precise, neat work; ability to perform repetitive tasks
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Bachelor’s degree
• Coursework in ecology, plant biology, genetics, or related fields
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Comfortable with manual labor, including but not limited to using common tools, light carpentry, and gardening/landscaping techniques
• Experience with troubleshooting in the field

Required License or Certification

• Valid driver’s license

Valid NC Driver's License required?

No

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Anticipated Hiring Range

$20/hr

Job Open Date

10/07/2026

Quick Link

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/235892

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 [email protected] . 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.