Research Technician, Department of Plant Sciences: UTIA

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Technician provides technical support for ongoing plant biology projects under the direction of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and other laboratory researchers. The role supports plant care, greenhouse and growth chamber activities, laboratory preparation, chemical handling, experimental setup, data collection, and basic data analysis. Work takes place in greenhouse, growth chamber, laboratory, and occasional outdoor settings. Two positions are being hired. The position is located in the Department of Plant Sciences within the UT Institute of Agriculture in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is primarily in person due to the hands-on nature of the work. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The University of Tennessee offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, leave, and other employee benefits. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biology, plant sciences, microbiology, bioengineering, virology, plant biology, plant pathology, horticulture, or a related field.
Experience in a laboratory setting related to biology, plant science, microbiology, bioengineering, virology, plant biology, plant pathology, horticulture, or another related field.
Experience in agriculture.
General knowledge of plant biology, horticulture, or weed science.
Ability to perform basic plant biology-related techniques in greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory settings.
Ability to record, organize, and maintain accurate research data.
Problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work under direct supervision and as part of a research team.
Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures, including appropriate handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.
Ability to perform physical work associated with plant care and research, including standing, walking, repetitive motion, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
Availability for occasional weekend or evening work as research or plant care needs require.
Legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Experience with molecular biology techniques, tissue culture, or plant transformation.
Experience working in a greenhouse, growth chamber, laboratory, or plant research setting.
Experience preparing media, chemical solutions, or biological samples for research procedures.
Experience with data entry, data quality control, basic statistical analysis, or research reporting.

Responsibilities

Provide plant care, including potting, watering, fertilizing, monitoring plant health, and assisting with diagnostics.
Coordinate with greenhouse managers, facility services, and researchers to help maintain appropriate growing environments.
Support experiments involving plant competitiveness, growth, and toxicity assays in greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory settings.
Prepare media and chemical solutions for experimental procedures and follow established safety practices for storage, handling, and disposal.
Record research data accurately, enter it into appropriate systems, and assist with data quality control.
Assist with basic statistical analysis, data summaries, and preparation of project reports.
Support a collaborative research environment and train junior staff as needed.