New

Research Associate

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience ($55,000 - $60,000)

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Jul 15, 2026

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 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	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 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.