Research Associate

About the role

The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) at NC State University is launching "See Salt," a real-time coastal monitoring network to address the lack of salinity and water level monitoring in North Carolina's coastal communities.

Responsibilities

• Aquatic Monitoring:
  • Develop standard operating procedures for installation and maintenance of sensors in varying environments.
  • 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.
  • 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:
  • 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.

Requirements

• 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, organizational skills for project management and SOP documentation, ability to work independently on collection of data and organization of data, identification of measurement error, strong communication skills for interaction with equipment manufacturers and collaborators, ability to drive in North Carolina for field work.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience with water quality assessments, proficiency in a coding language like R or Python, experience with boat operation and trailering.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required. Valid NC driver’s license within 60 days of hire.

Skills

Not specified.

Benefits

See [Wolfpack Perks and Benefits](https://www.ncsu.edu/wolfpack/perks/) for details.

Pay

$55,000 - $60,000 commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm; with early mornings, evenings and weekends as research needs require.