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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

CALS Jumpstart Conference

Join NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for the inaugural CALS Jumpstart Conference on Sunday, March 1, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in Riddick Hall, Room 301. This professional development conference will offer students the chance to engage with CALS young alumni, recruiters in the agriculture and life sciences industries, and NC State Cooperative Extension professionals from across the state.
The event will also feature breakout sessions on topics including: Using AI in the Job Search; Attending Graduate School; Perfecting Your Resume. Open to all NC State students and faculty.

Learn more and register
students at career fair

Undergraduate Summer Extension Internship

This internship program provides undergraduate students with a 10-week, first-hand experience in an Extension career in one of the 100 counties in North Carolina. Although each location offers different experiences and responsibilities, interns will receive valuable work experience in agriculture, food systems, nutrition, youth development, community development, family and consumer sciences, natural resources, and/or environmental science. This is a paid internship, and interns have the possibility to receive college credit for their internship experience.

Application Deadline: March 6, 2026 by 11:59 pm

Learn more and apply
Students talk with each other about science policy

Featured Opportunities

AWS Training Series: Generative AI in AWS

Are you ready to dive into the world of cloud computing with Amazon Web Services? Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this event is perfect for you. Let’s explore the cloud together and unlock the potential of AWS!  During this training workshop, participants will learn how Claude models work, Vibe coding, and how to run your Docker containers for research in AWS. This event is open to all NC State Faculty, Students and Staff, and is BYOL (Bring Your Own Laptop).

Event Date: Friday, March 13 from 1-4pm
Event Location: Talley Student Union, Room 3222

Learn more and register

Early Modern Plant Humanities Weekend Seminar

The prestigious Folger Institute, part of the Folger Shakespeare Library invites “plant attentive” scholars — faculty members, postdocs and advanced graduate students in any discipline whose work relates to plants — to apply for a seminar on Early Modern Plant Humanities to be held on a late-spring weekend. NC State is a member of the prestigious Folger Institute Consortium, which links major research universities in the U.S. and abroad, fostering high-level scholarly, intellectual and financial collaboration. Plant Humanities is a multidisciplinary field that challenges the cultural abjection of plant life in modernity and corrects what educators diagnose as the West’s constitutional “plant blindness.” Against this paradigm, participants in this seminar will explore the idea that early moderns were profoundly plant attentive.

Event Dates: May 21-23, 2026
Application Deadline: March 2, 2026

Learn more and apply 

HOT Jobs+Internships Fair

Meet and network with employers at this spring’s HOT Jobs+Internships Fair with the College of Natural Resources and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. HOT means hiring on time, and ideally, employers at the fair will be recruiting for open jobs and internships. All students are welcome to attend. Registration isn’t required.

Event Date: Tuesday, March 3 from 10am to 2pm
Event Location: Third Floor, Talley Student Union

Learn more 

Special Seminar for: Industry & Startup Primer for Plant & Environmental Students and Postdocs

Interested in a career outside of academia? Trying to improve your applications? Want to know how startup works? Dr. Rishi Masalia, Program Director at 39° North, will be giving special seminar for students and postdocs on how to succeed in industry and startup careers.

Event Dates: March 11, 2026 from 2-3pm
Event Location: Jordan Hall Addition Room 1214

Learn more 

Webinar: Alternative Career Paths for Plant Scientists

Many of students hear about the two main options for careers in plant science – the academic option and the industry research option. But the skills plant scientists have are useful for other sectors as well. Join Plantae in exploring alternative careers such as consulting, data science, and science communication in this career-focused webinar. 

Event Date: March 19, 2026 at 12 pm EST

Learn more and register 

Andrews Launch Accelerator

The NC State Acceleration Fund provides equity-free seed capital to startups that complete the Andrews Launch Accelerator. The purpose of the Accelerator is to give NC State founders the opportunity to jumpstart their entrepreneurial journey. We provide founders with the funding, resources, and guidance to grow their company. During our 12-week summer program, NC State startup founders get to work on their concepts and build their companies. The program consists of modules that guide companies in the right direction. Any startup founded by someone, or with a co-founder, who is either a current NC State student (undergraduate or graduate) or a recent graduate (graduated 5 or fewer years ago) is eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Learn more and apply 

2026 University Research Symposium

The 2026 University Research Symposium will highlight how NC State faculty are extending the reach of their research so its impact is felt across North Carolina and beyond. The Symposium also provides a space for scholars to learn, connect, and forge new partnerships that will collectively shape the future of research across the university. Symposium Sessions include a Faculty Poster Slam, Citizen Science Presentations, Amply for Research Impact Workshop, and multiple panels. Registration is required and all NC State students, post-docs, faculty and staff are welcome to attend.

Event Date: March 31, 2026 from 10 am to 2 pm
Event Location: Duke Energy Hall, Hunt Library
Registration Deadline: March 20, 2026

Register now 

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

Upcoming PSI Events

All PSI Events
Feb 26

Thursday12:00 PM

Connecting2Grow: Co-Developing Imaging Sensors for Agriculture
Feb 27

Friday9:30 AM

N.C. PSI Coffee Social
Feb 28

Saturday8:30 AM

Plant Science Outreach Day 2026

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

Career Readiness Programs: A2i+ Career Insights

The Graduate School offers an array of career preparedness, communication skills, leadership, teaching, and wellness programs year round. Career Insights (INS) is a series of talks led by A2i+ industry partners to provide you the opportunity to build your network, explore career opportunities that connect to your graduate degree, and prepare for a successful transition to a non-academic career. Each virtual session highlights real career paths, essential skills, and actionable advice for navigating life after grad school.
Why attend? Explore careers, ask questions, and expand your professional network.
Spring 2026 Dates: 1/30, 2/6, 2/20, 3/6, 3/27, 4/10, and 4/24 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

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

Conferences

NC State Field Days

Explore commodity-specific events across the state

Learn more and register 

TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo 2026

March 8-12, 2026
Raleigh, North Carolina

Learn more and register 

ASABE Global Symposium on Sustainability of Agro-Eco-Systems through Climate Change Resilience

March 15-18, 2026
Brasov, Romania

Learn more and register 

World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit

March 17-18, 2026
San Francisco, CA

Learn more and register 

AI in Agriculture 2026

March 31 – April 2, 2026
NC State University

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 

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 

Alternative Protein Symposium: Bridging Science and Society

This two-day event will give an overview of recent technical advancements and explore the social, ethical, and regulatory dimensions of cell-cultivated, fermentation-derived, and plant-based proteins. The symposium will feature keynote speakers, research talks, panel discussions, student presentations, and opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange among researchers, industry professionals, and students.

Symposium Dates: April 9-10, 2026
Symposium Location: Plant Sciences Building

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

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 

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 

RCC National Environment Leadership Fellowship (NELF) Program 

The RCC National Environment Leadership Fellowship (NELF) Program is designed to identify outstanding students with a passion for environmental education, organizing, and advocacy, and provide them with financial support to carry out valuable projects and campaigns on behalf of the RCC.

Application Deadline: April 17, 2026

Learn more and apply 

NC STEM Policy Post-Graduate Fellowship

The NC STEM Policy Post-Graduate Fellowships provide graduate students from North Carolina universities with opportunities to serve full-time for a year in high-level state government offices, focusing on STEM policy topics. This fellowship includes a stipend of $52,500 and an additional $2,000 in travel support for professional development opportunities. Students must be enrolled in and nearing graduation or have recently completed a master’s or advanced degree in a STEM-related discipline.

Application Deadline: March 9, 2026 by 5 p.m.

Learn more and apply
students at career fair
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

Join the NC State Sustainability Stewards

The Sustainability Stewards are sustainability student leaders moving NC State to a brighter, stronger and more sustainable future. Their mission is to fulfill the vision of a more sustainable campus, community and world by encouraging individuals to adopt more sustainable practices. Open to all NC State undergraduate and graduate students.

Application Deadline: March 22, 2026 by 11:59 pm

Learn more and apply 

NC State Earth Fair

NC State’s Earth Fair is a sustainability-focused outdoor event featuring exhibits, demonstrations and ideas connected to the global sustainability goals, including learning about food, water, transportation, nature, wellness and so much more. Registration to host a table at the 2026 Earth Fair is now open.

Event Date: April 8 from 11 am – 2 pm
Event Location: Stafford Commons (Main Campus)
Registration Deadline: March 31

Learn more and register 

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.

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
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.

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