Research Scholar

specific career interests, whether they pursue the basic sciences or prepare for careers in extension.

Our educational and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique, hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, the Micropropagation and Repository Unit, the Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum containing 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research.

CALS comprises 12 academic departments, with 294 faculty members, 2,891 undergraduate students, and 899 graduate students. The College also operates 18 research stations strategically located throughout the state, strengthening its connections with farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners.

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

As the Research Scholar, you will support the Genome Editing Center’s (GEC) research deliverables for the National Science Foundation’s Engineering Research Center, TARDISS (Transformation of American Rubber through Domestic Innovation for Supply Security). This collaborative initiative aims to strengthen domestic natural rubber production through innovative research and biotechnology.

You will contribute to the GEC’s primary research focus within TARDISS: genetic engineering and genome editing of dandelion, including Russian dandelion, to increase rubber production. Applying your expertise in plant biotechnology and genetic engineering, you will provide scientific and technical leadership in the development, optimization, and implementation of precision genome editing strategies and protocols. You will advance target gene identification, plant tissue culture and transformation, plant regeneration, and the molecular characterization of genome-edited plants, including the design and validation of genome editing components and the development of high-throughput genotyping and sequencing approaches. In collaboration with scientists across TARDISS and GEC-affiliated research programs, you will help translate research findings into reproducible protocols, standardized workflows, and innovative biotechnology strategies that advance project objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Genome Editing and Plant Biotechnology

Lead the development, implementation, optimization, and refinement of genome editing protocols for dandelion, including Russian dandelion.

• Identify and evaluate candidate genes and genetic targets through analysis of dandelion genomes, transcriptomes, and relevant scientific literature.
• Design guide RNAs, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assays, and other molecular tools to support precision genome editing and gene expression analysis.
• Design and optimize promoters, coding sequences (CDS), introns, terminators, and other genetic elements to improve the expression of genome editing components, recombination technologies, and morphogenetic factors that enhance plant regeneration.
• Establish and optimize plant transformation, tissue culture, and regeneration conditions in collaboration with GEC transformation scientists.
• Characterize genome-edited plants across multiple generations to assess editing outcomes and validate genetic modifications.

Molecular Characterization and Genotyping

• Design and implement molecular assays, including TaqMan and PCR-based methods, to characterize genome-edited and genetically modified plants and support high-throughput genotyping.
• Develop standardized genotyping workflows using TaqMan, PCR, and Illumina-based sequencing approaches.
• Collaborate with the Genome Sciences Laboratory to develop DNA-based assays, next-generation sequencing (NGS) strategies, and analytical pipelines for characterizing genome-edited and genetically modified plants.
• Prepare libraries for genome sequencing, transcriptome analysis, and other omics-based applications.
• Establish quality control procedures and reproducible analytical workflows to support reliable characterization of genome editing outcomes.

Vector Design and Transformation Support

• Provide technical support for vector design and development, including vector cloning, bacterial strain transformation, and sequence verification, as needed.
• Identify and coordinate the acquisition of equipment and resources needed to establish and support K599-mediated transformation and genotyping workflows.
• Integrate experimental findings, published research, practical experience, and scientific collaborations to inform the development of effective plant engineering strategies.

Research Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide technical leadership and scientific continuity within the laboratory while promoting independent research and problem-solving among PhD-level scientists, postdoctoral scholars, and other team members.
• Collaborate with TARDISS investigators, GEC scientists, and researchers across participating departments to identify promising genetic targets, coordinate research activities, and advance project deliverables.
• Coordinate with TARDISS research teams and GEC-affiliated programs to align genome editing and vector design strategies across projects.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical documentation, and training materials to support reproducibility, knowledge sharing, and the onboarding of new team members and visiting scientists.

If you are passionate about advancing plant biotechnology and genome editing through innovative research, scientific collaboration, and technical leadership, we welcome you to apply and contribute to research supporting domestic natural rubber production.

Other Responsibilities

• Working on core data to support patent applications and publication examples, including statistical analysis.
• Leading small teams and training of new Ph.D.’s and post docs.
• Keeping data firewalls between projects
• Tracking data and pipeline efficiency through the lab
• Documenting research progress and changes to protocols and adherence to training schedules in the lab, as well as ensuring safety plan compliance

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D.

Other Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in plant tissue culture, transformation, and regeneration.
• Ability to develop, optimize, and document experimental protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to provide scientific leadership and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary research teams.

Preferred Qualifications

5+ years post-graduate research experience in molecular biology and vector construction, assay development, tissue culture, transformation, genome editing, molecular analysis, and genome engineering in industry and /or academic settings, including leadership of teams.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required: No

Commercial Driver's License required: No

Job Open Date: 10/27/2026

Anticipated Close Date: 11/10/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include a cover letter, CV, and contact information for professional references.

Position Number: 00112413

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