New

Research and Lab Specialist

North Carolina State University

$ 45,454 - $ 109,409

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Dec 09, 2025

Job Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194780SP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Research and Lab Specialist
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience ($54,172 - $60,000)
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Plant & Microbial Biology
About the Department	The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology supports teaching, research, and extension programs in fundamental plant biology and microbiology, including basic and applied research, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and outreach to state and national clientele. The Kleiner Lab studies plant and animal microbiomes using a variety of cultivation dependent and independent approaches. We seek to understand how functional interactions between organisms lead to beneficial or detrimental outcomes for the host. One of the core approaches that we use is high-resolution mass spectrometry based metaproteomics. The Kleiner Lab is part of the NCSU Chancellor's Excellence Cluster on Microbiomes and Complex Microbial Communities, which provides a vibrant community of researchers at NCSU and frequent exchanges with the community across campus. The Kleiner Lab is involved in collaborative research at NCSU, nationally and internationally.
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	The Kleiner Lab at North Carolina State University (www.kleinerlab.org) is seeking a Research Specialist to support ongoing research on complex microbial communities, microbial symbioses, and metaproteomics. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, execution, and data analysis within a dynamic and collaborative research environment. Responsibilities include managing multiple concurrent research projects; cultivating and maintaining root- associated bacterial cultures; performing molecular and biochemical assays; and compiling and analyzing experimental data. The position requires proficiency in molecular and cell biology techniques applied to bacterial systems. Research outcomes will support publications, conference presentations, and grant development. In addition to research duties, the Research Specialist will assist with laboratory management, including maintaining safety documentation and compliance, coordinating undergraduate research assistant schedules, and overseeing equipment purchasing, maintenance, and repair. At present, this position is time-limited for three (3) years, with possible renewal based on funding.
Other Responsibilities	Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education	Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Preferred Qualifications	Microbiology and Molecular Biology Expertise: Demonstrated experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry techniques, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and related laboratory methods. Microbial Cultivation and Preservation: Proficiency in cultivating, maintaining, and preserving bacterial cultures; anaerobic cultivation experience is a plus. Microscopy Skills: Ability to perform microscopy for cell counting and phenotypic characterization. Data and Software Proficiency: Experience using Microsoft Office applications and scientific data analysis tools; familiarity with R Studio is advantageous. *Proteomics and mass spectrometry: operation of high-resolution, accurate mass mass spectrometer (e.g. Thermo Exploris or Astral) for mass spectrometry based proteomics and proteomics data analysis*
Required License or Certification	Valid NC Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire. A DL is needed to drive to field sites for sampling.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required?	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	12/09/2025
Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)	12/16/2025
Notice to Applicants	Please make sure that the work history you list on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, do not use the phrase "see resume".
Special Instructions	Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00110136
Position Type	SHRA
Position Classification Band Title	Research Specialist
Position Classification Band Level	Contributing
Position Classification Salary Range	$ 45,454 - $ 109,409
Salary Grade Equivalency	MH14
Alternate Option	If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Time Limited Position	Yes
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)	3 years with possible renewal due to funding
Department Id	110801 - Plant & Microbial Biology
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.