Job Description

Posting Information

Posting Number

PG194289EP

Internal Recruitment

No

Working Title

Research Scholar

Anticipated Hiring Range

$65,000 - $75,000

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; weekends as needed.

Job Location

Raleigh, NC

Department

Biological Sciences

About the Department

The Department of Biological Sciences, within the College of Sciences at NC State University, is dedicated to research and teaching in a broad range of aspects of the biological sciences. The Department has strong undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral programs and substantial extramural support to develop and maintain integrative research programs. Additionally, the Department partners with other life sciences units across the University to enhance its mission to conduct interdisciplinary research and training programs. While working in this department, you will be expected to foster a supportive and welcoming environment.



NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State's land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution's mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.

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.

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 Duque-Wilckens lab, part of the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University uses primary cell and organoid culture and transgenic mouse models in combination with molecular, pharmacological, and behavioral analyses to investigate the neuro-immune mechanisms underlying brain development and behavior and how they are shaped by the environment to promote resistance or vulnerability to mood disorders.

Research Scholar - Duque-Wilckens Lab

The Duque-Wilckens Lab is seeking a passionate, self-motivated, and collaborative Research Scholar to support and expand the lab's research capabilities across interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of neuroscience, immunology, and environmental health. This individual will play a central role in coordinating lab operations, mentoring trainees, and contributing intellectually and technically to ongoing experiments. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced academic environment, demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, and bring strong organizational and communication abilities.

This is intended as a long-term position, and the selected candidate will serve as a stable, knowledgeable presence in the lab--maintaining institutional knowledge and supporting the continuity and growth of both research and personnel over time.

Core responsibilities will include:
Coordination of regulatory compliance and adherence to safety protocols Maintenance and oversight of the mouse colony, including breeding, weaning, and genotyping Design and execution of experiments in collaboration with the PI and students Oversight and mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students on ongoing projects Supervising employees Training new lab members by providing onboarding and technical instruction in lab protocols and best practices Support in data collection, analysis, and figure preparation for grant applications and publications Active participation in scientific discussions to help troubleshoot, refine, and advance experimental strategies Optimization and implementation of protocols to improve reproducibility and experimental efficiency Maintenance of lab databases, including inventory systems, sample tracking, and digital lab notebooks (e.g., Benchling) Data quality control, including review and validation of datasets generated by trainees Assisting with manuscript preparation, including writing methods sections, refining figures, and performing statistical analyses Piloting new techniques and assays before implementation in broader lab projects Monitoring relevant literature to suggest new approaches, tools, or conceptual frameworks Reinforcing lab culture by fostering a collaborative and organized research environment

Other Responsibilities

Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.





Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

PhD (or relevant terminal degree), or a relevant Master's degree with at least 5 years of formal post-degree professional work experience

Other Required Qualifications

Must have excellent communication and strong organizational skills Background and training in molecular, behavioral, and cell culture techniques Knowledge of day-to-day management needs of a study Experience in managing teams of 2-4 student researchers with strong oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in rodent handling, behavioral testing, tissue collection, and colony management Proficiency with molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., IHC, qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting) Proficiency with ex vivo and cell culture approaches Familiarity with behavioral analysis tools such as DeepLabCut or similar platforms Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R, or Python) Experience in manuscript and grant writing, including data presentation and figure preparation Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

No

Commercial Driver's License required

No


Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date

10/15/2025

Anticipated Close Date

Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include as attachments a CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.


Position Details

Position Number

00109735

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

172201 - Biological Sciences

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.