Research Associate

This is a non-tenure-track, year-to-year appointment, renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance, availability of resources, and the needs. The research associate will function with substantial independence to support research activities in the areas of emerging pollutants (for example, PFAS) in agroecosystems, water quality, and ecological engineering in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

The research activities include all the activities in the research continuum including but not limited to design, development, execution, sample analysis, data analysis, publication, and extension/outreach.

The successful candidate will enjoy a dynamic and collaborative work environment with our interdisciplinary research team, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in research.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is ranked #1 among Public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at NC A&T is the largest college of Agriculture among HBCUs and top producer of African American graduates with degrees in Agriculture, in Biological Engineering, and in Landscape Architecture. CAES has a rich history of innovation and application of cutting-edge technology across its four academic departments: Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education; Department of Animal Sciences; Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design. Within these departments, students are offered a myriad of opportunities for classroom learning, experiential learning, research and field work. In addition, the college's research and experiential learning are strengthened by non-academic units, including the University farm and the center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies at the North Carolina Research campus. Through its Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension Programs, CAES conducts research on issues of national importance and provide research-based extension training and services to citizens, communities and industry partners across the state of North Carolina.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design offers three undergraduate degrees, a B.S. in Landscape Architecture, a B.S. in Agricultural and Environmental Systems with two concentrations in Environmental Studies, and Sustainable Land and Food Systems, and a B. S. in Biological Engineering. The Landscape Architecture program is LAAB accredited and is the number 1 producer of African American Landscape Architects. The Biological Engineering program is ABET accredited and produces the most African American Biological Engineers in the nation. The Department also offers a Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Environmental Systems (Natural Resources and Environmental Systems) and Ph.D. degree in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences). With programs and expertise in areas such as water quality, bioenergy, biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, soil health, digital agriculture and artificial intelligence, integrated pest management, and environmental sciences, the department uniquely offers innovative and creative educational programs, groundbreaking research, hands-on learning opportunities, and education and outreach activities to citizens across the state and around the world.

Minimum Requirements

MS in Biosystems/Biological Engineering or Civil/Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science or related field. Preference will be given to the candidate who has earned PhD in Biosystems/Biological Engineering or Civil/Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

Preference will be given to the candidate who has:

• earned PhD in Biosystems/Biological Engineering or Civil/Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science
• experience using analytical instruments such as LCMS/MS, ICPMS
• has documented scholarly productivity and publication record
• has experience with design and development of field and laboratory-based research projects in relevant areas
• prior experience with analysis of emerging pollutants, e.g., PFAS

Required License or Certification Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site)