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N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative

Professional Development Opportunities

Featured Opportunities
Events and Conferences
Internships and Fellowships
Other Opportunities
Additional Resources

Have an event or opportunity you would like to feature here and in our weekly student emails? Contact Alex Goodnight.

LAST CALL OPPORTUNITIES

Graduate Peer Mentor Collaborative

The Graduate Peer Mentoring Collaborative provides one-year fellowships to 30 doctoral students across multiple colleges. Fellows learn skills for peer mentoring, develop networks of support and strengthen their leadership abilities. CALS is recruiting eight graduate peer mentors for the 2026–2027 academic year who will receive a $1,000 stipend for that year. They must participate in both virtual and in-person peer mentorship sessions and mentor at least four students per semester in their department or program.

Application Deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026

Learn more and apply 

2026 SUMMER Leadership Learning Institute

The Graduate School at North Carolina State University provides graduate students and postdoctoral scholars a way to grow and enhance their leadership skills through the “Leadership Learning Institute (LLI)” program. LLI consists of four short courses that focus on self-awareness, communication, influence and purpose. Each short course consists of three, 2-hour sessions (12 sessions total), and are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the 2026 SUMMER semester from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026 at 5pm

Learn more and apply 

Featured Opportunities

SAPLINGS “AI in Ag” Graduate Student Training Award

The SAPLINGS “AI in Ag” Graduate Training Award provides 1 year of support to N.C. PSI-affiliated Ph.D. students (stipend + tuition) engaged in machine learning and AI research to identify new solutions in agriculture. We invite N.C. PSI-affiliated faculty to nominate their doctoral student for this 1-year award. Research should focus on the application of Machine Learning, Data Science and/or AI to plant science or agricultural use-cases.

Learn more and apply
A woman and a man standing outside in front of the Plant Sciences Building

USDA AFRI Pre-doctoral Fellowship Program

This Predoctoral Fellowships Program helps develop new scientists and professionals to enter research, education, and/or extension fields within the food and agricultural sciences. The aim of these fellowships is to cultivate future leaders who can solve emerging agricultural challenges of the 21st century. Fellows may receive up to 3 years of support. PhD students who have advanced to candidacy by the application deadline are eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: April 16, 2026 by 5:00pm EST

Learn more and apply 

Future Business Sustainability Leaders Program

The Future Business Sustainability Leaders Program is a premier co-curricular program designed for undergraduate students. This experience starts in the summer and ends during the fall semester. As a participant, you won’t just learn about sustainability—you’ll lead it. You will work with global teams to help real companies achieve B Corp certification while building a professional network that will support you long after the program ends.

Application Deadline: April 24, 2026 by 11:59pm EST

Learn more and apply 

Plantae Presents: A Smaller Carbon Footprint in Plant Science

This webinar will bring together experts working across plant genetics, soil science, and sustainability to discuss practical strategies for reducing carbon emissions in plant science and agriculture. Topics will include soil- and plant-centered approaches for carbon management, genome editing technologies for developing carbon-efficient crops, and broader sustainability perspectives on responsible energy use and resource consumption.

Webinar Date: April 27, 2026 at 10 am

Learn more and register 

IonE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

The goal of the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment (IonE) Postdoctoral Fellowship is to support breakthrough research across disciplines, develop the next generation of global leaders, and build transformative partnerships across the state, region and globe. IonE Postdoctoral Fellows are interdisciplinary, community-engaged scholars who thrive both as team leaders and collaborators. This Fellowship lasts 2 years and is open to individuals with or will be completing a PhD in any disciplinary field with an express interest in some aspect of sustainability.

Application Deadline: April 29, 2026 by 5:00pm CT

Learn more and apply 

USDA AFRI Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

This Postdoctoral Fellowships Program provides support to new scientists whose research addresses one of four areas of interest: (1) agricultural production capability; (2) new markets for agriculture and forestry products; (3) value-added innovation; and (4) agricultural science policy leadership. Fellows may receive up to 2 years of support through this program. Early career scientists who have completed their PhD program or will complete it before January 2027 are eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 by 5:00pm EST

Learn more and apply 

Plant Physiology Centennial Video Competition

In 2026, Plant Physiology celebrates 100 years of advancing plant science. To mark this milestone, they invite you to participate in our Centennial Video Competition by submitting a short video (up to 90 seconds) that describe how Plant Physiology has impacted your career or scientific journey. Whether you published your first paper in the journal, served as a reviewer, or were inspired by the research and scientists published in the journal, they want to hear your story. Videos will be featured on social media, at the Plant Biology 2026 conference and will be preserved as part of the journal’s 100-year celebration. Best video will win a $500 cash prize!

Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026 by 11:59 pm EST

Learn more and submit 

NC State’s 2026 Envisioning Research Competition

Share Research Images, Win Prizes!
Envisioning Research is an annual contest to help the NC State research community share the beauty of research. Prizes are awarded annually to university-affiliated applicants, and the winning images are used in a variety of promotional ways across campus to increase visibility. Open to all NC State graduate students, undergraduates, postdocs, faculty and staff, with separate cash prizes for winners and runners-up in four categories based on each contestant’s status at the university. 

Submission Deadline: April 29, 2026

Learn more and submit
First time, somatic embryo formed on suspension culture of rose cells with multiple cotyledons like a flower.

Events and Conferences

Regularly Occurring events

Science on Tap!

Science on Tap! takes place at Lynnwood Brewing Concern (1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd) on the second Tuesday of every month from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Grab a beer, meet local scientists, and hear the stories behind their coolest discoveries—no jargon, just great talks and good company.

Learn more and register to attend 

AI Hot Topics at NC State

The AI Hot Topics monthly series, hosted by the Data Science and AI Academy, is a dynamic forum designed to foster dialogue and collaboration on the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. Whether you’re a seasoned AI practitioner, a curious scholar or simply interested in the transformative potential of AI, this series offers a unique opportunity to connect with leading experts and contribute to meaningful discussions. The AI Hot Topics Series takes place monthly at Raleigh Founded on Centennial Campus (1017 Main Campus Dr.) from 8:45 – 9:45 am.

Learn more and register to attend 

Professional Development Workshops

The Graduate School offers an array of career preparedness, communication skills, leadership, teaching, and wellness workshops. These workshops occur virtually, year-round and require registration.

Explore Virtual Workshops 

Upcoming PSI Events

All PSI Events
Apr 09

Thursday

Alternative Protein Symposium: Bridging Science and Society
Apr 13

Monday2:00 PM

SETAC North America Carolinas Regional Chapter 2026 Annual Meeting
Apr 14

Tuesday8:00 AM

SETAC North America Carolinas Regional Chapter 2026 Annual Meeting

Conferences

NC State Field Days

Explore commodity-specific events across the state

Learn more and register 

Astrobiology Science Conference 2026

May 17-22, 2026
Madison, WI

Learn more and register 

Field to Market Annual Meeting & 19th Annual Conservation in Action Tour

June 1-3, 2026
Raleigh, NC

Learn more and register 

7th International Workshop on Agriculture & Computer Vision

*As part of the IEEE/CVF CVPR Conference 2026
June 3-7, 2026
Denver, CO

Learn more and register 

2nd International Conference on Agriculture Engineering

June 8-9, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal

Learn more and register 

2026 ASABE Annual Meeting

July 12-15, 2026
Indianapolis, Indiana

Learn more and register 

2nd World Congress on Advances in Plant Science and Plant Biology

July 13-14, 2026
Berlin, Germany

Learn more and register 

17th International Conference on Precision Agriculture 

July 13-16, 2026
Porto Alegre, Brazil

Learn more and register 

Plant Biology 2026

July 18-22, 2026
Ottawa, Canada

Learn more and register 

2026 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium

August 9-14, 2026
Washington D.C.

Learn more and register 

Auxin 2026

October 4-6, 2026
Albufeira, Portugal

Learn more and register 

NC State Career Fairs

Explore upcoming career fairs and events offered by various colleges and disciplines across NC State!

Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs

Discover OUIP’s list of interdisciplinary events across NC State

Internships and Fellowships

Man in a research lab

SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

Offers STEM students who are currently pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. a full scholarship, internships, annual stipends, and guaranteed employment with the Department of Defense.

Applications Deadline: December 1 at 5:00 p.m. EST
The SMART Program accepts applications annually from August 1 to December 1.

Learn more and apply 
Oak Ridge National Labs

Student Opportunities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Enhance your expertise and collaborate with many of the nation’s leading science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) experts as you complete your research. Opportunities are available for current undergraduate and graduate students to participate as members of research teams at ORNL. All internships come with a stipend.

Learn more 

Micro-Internships for Graduate Students & Postdocs

Micro-internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that allow you to explore career paths, build your network, and prepare for the transition to industry. These micro-internships allow you to be flexible with your graduate studies, while still being intentional in your career development. These unique projects are posted at all times of year by companies of all sizes,

Learn more and apply 

ePACK

ePACK is NC State’s online platform for openings (internship, leadership development, and full-time job opportunities), upcoming events, online tools, and more that are currently available for you.

Explore ePack
Cooper howling wolf sculpture near greenery and benches

Other Opportunities

PDU@Lunch Webinar Series

The Proposal Development Unit invites the NC State community to their webinar series that will provides insights and techniques to think strategically about grant writing. The PDU will balance general guidance with specific examples to help researchers navigate differences among major federal funding agencies and foundations. This webinar series occurs throughout the academic year, and topics and dates are included within the registration form.

Learn more and register 

PDU Resources for Early Career Researchers

Many funding agencies provide unique opportunities to researchers beginning their independent research careers, such as post-docs.Thus, NC State’s Proposal Development Unit (PDU) offers a variety of resources for grant-writing and proposal development at any stage in your career. These resources are accessed via your unity ID in the PDU intranet.

Explore 

Volunteer at the Agroecology Education Farm

Come volunteer at the Agroecology Education Farm. This is a great opportunity to work on the farm, learn about sustainable farming, spend time outside and tour the farm. You are welcome to come alone, bring a friend or a group of friends. If you have questions about the volunteer workday, please contact Sara Snyder, farm manager, at sasnyde4@ncsu.edu.

Volunteer Dates: Various throughout the Spring Semester

Learn more and volunteer

NC State Sustainability Career Development Program

Step into an exciting journey with the NC State Sustainability Career Development Program, where you can explore and build your career in sustainability on your own terms. This unique initiative is designed for NC State students, offering a flexible, “choose your own adventure” approach to career development. Program Enrollment is ongoing and you can join at anytime of year. Whether you’re passionate about protecting the planet, creating innovative solutions, or leading change, this program lets you tailor your experiences to match your interests and goals.

Learn more and enroll
Hops research
Student Gwen Casebeer (left) and researcher Jeanine Davis look over hops growing at Mountain Horticultural Research and Extension Center in Henderson County.
Small group talking in a conference room

The Graduate School’s Professional Development Workshops

The Graduate School offers an array of career preparedness, communication skills, leadership, teaching, and wellness programs year round. There are both in-person and virtual workshops offered.

Explore 
students at career fair

NC State LanchPad

NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship has developed an incubator program to support early-stage undergraduate and graduate student startups.

Learn more and register 

NSF I-Corps Program

The I-Corps Program at NC State offers a NSF training program aimed at helping scientists and engineers extend their ideas, research and inventions into the marketplace. This program consists of a four-session course focused on entrepreneurship and exploring the commercial viability of innovations.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Program Dates Vary.
*If accepted, your team will be placed in the next available cohort.

Learn more and apply 

Have an event you would like advertised here and in our weekly email? Contact Alex Goodnight.

N.C. PSI’s “Spotlight on Growth”

Did you know there are over 400 undergraduates, graduate students and postdocs that are affiliated with the N.C. PSI -all doing incredible work!! In an effort to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of students and postdocs across PSI, we are introducing a new spotlight series: “Spotlight on Growth”. Every few weeks, we will introduce you to one student or post-doc and share some brief facts about their research and themselves. Additionally, these spotlights may be shared on N.C. PSI social media throughout the year.

Step into the Spotlight
Plant Sciences Building at night

Resources

Career resources

The Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR) Job Board

International and domestic postdoctoral, faculty, research, field technician positions and more are listed for those interested in plant science careers.

Visit 

Plantae’s Career Center

Search for jobs, internships and mentorships in the US and abroad across a variety of industries and types of institutions.

Visit 

Ag Career Job Board

Search by sector, specialty and career type for job opportunities in every stage of the food system.

Visit 

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Job Board

Job opportunities in ag engineering and all other engineering disciplines.

Visit 

NC State Career Development Center

Take advantage of university career resources available to all NC State students

Explore 

N.C. PSI Certificate Programs

N.C. PSI offers two certificate programs, one for Ag Data Science and the other for Regulatory Science in Agriculture.

Discover