The Plant Protection and Quarantine Science and Technology (PPQ-S&T) - Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory's (PPCDL) mission is to provide federal confirmatory diagnostics for regulatory plant pests/pathogens; develop and validate advanced molecular and serological detection methods, and proficiency test (PT) panels for plant pests that threaten U.S. agriculture; evaluate the applicability of new, state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies in support of the agency efforts.

The Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory provides molecular methods for identification of regulatory plant pathogens. The Research Assistant will work under the project title: Evaluation and development of new molecular diagnostic technologies for the detection US quarantine and regulated plant pathogens.

The Research Assistant will work under the general supervision of a team/project leader to support projects at APHIS-PPQ-S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory (PPCDL) relating to the development and validation of molecular diagnostic assays for plant pathogens of regulatory concern. The incumbent should have a strong background in the molecular biology of microorganisms, plant pathogen or clinical diagnostics, and DNA sequence analysis. The Research Assistant will provide technical support to several staff scientists in preparing sample material, DNA/RNA extractions, running PCRs, and preparing libraries for high throughput sequencing. The incumbent will record details and results of experiments in an official laboratory notebook, enter data into computer programs, write data summary reports, and contribute to the drafting of validation reports and work instructions. Work duties will also include any combination of the following general laboratory maintenance tasks: cleaning and maintaining glassware, preparing media and reagents, preparing agarose gels, restocking and maintaining supplies, autoclaving, operating and maintaining specialized equipment, maintaining greenhouse plants.

The position is based at the APHIS-PPQ-S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory in Laurel, MD. Federal employees, contractors, subcontractors, experts, consultants, and paid unpaid interns hired for work within the United States or its territories who require access to USDA Mission Areas, Agencies and Staff Offices or controlled facilities, Information Technology (IT) systems or security items or products, must be either U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents, also known as "green card" holders.

We are seeking to hire two (2) candidates from this posting.

Other duties as assigned.

N/A

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

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.

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.

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