Western Carolina University has been named to the 2022 “America’s Best Employers by State” list by Forbes, ranking 14th out of the top 100 employers in North Carolina. 

The research assistant(s) will aid in the collection of water samples for microplastics analysis from Richland Creek and in the collection of plastic debris from selected stream reaches in cooperation of several collaborating organizations. The research assistant(s) will also analyzed the water samples in the laboratory for microplastics.

Background in geology, hydrology, or biology. Ability to conduct field work; general understanding of laboratory analyses; working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Powerpoint.

B.S. degree in Geology, Hydrology, Biology, or related field.

M.S. degree in Geology, Hydrology, Biology or related field; Previous experience in the use of ISCO automated samplers, and the analysis of microplastics in water.

Applicants must apply online.

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.

Qualified applicants will be contacted by the department directly if selected for interview.

Please Note: Temporary employees are paid bi-weekly on an hourly basis and do not receive benefits.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.