Research Technician, Department of Plant Sciences: UTIA

The Research Technician will provide technical support for ongoing plant biology projects under the direction of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and other laboratory researchers. The position will assist with plant care, greenhouse and growth chamber activities, laboratory preparation, chemical handling, experimental setup, data collection, and basic data analysis. The work will take place in greenhouse, growth chamber, laboratory, and occasional outdoor settings.

(Hiring 2 positions)

• 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, following established safety practices for storage, handling, and disposal.

• Record accurate research data, enter data 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, plant sciences, microbiology, bioengineering, virology, plant biology, plant pathology, horticulture, or related field.
• Experience: 
  • Experience in a laboratory setting related to biology, plant science, microbiology, bioengineering, virology, plant biology, plant pathology, horticulture or other related fields. 
  • Experience in Agriculture.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • 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 activities, 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.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • 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.

Work Location:

• This position is located in the Department of Plant Sciences within the UT Institute of Agriculture in Knoxville, Tennessee. 
• The role is primarily in person due to the hands-on nature of plant care, greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory work.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The University of Tennessee offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including health, retirement, leave, and other employee benefits.

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the materials listed below. 

• Resume
• Cover letter

About The College/Department/Division:

At UTIA, we’re not just solving problems—we’re delivering Real. Life. Solutions. Through teaching, research, and Extension programs, UTIA advances the university’s land-grant mission by serving Tennessee and communities around the world. Please visit UTIA’s website to learn more about UTIA’s mission driven culture and work. Find out more about UTIA at: https://utia.tennessee.edu