Research Technician: Department of Psychology and Neuroscience - UTK

The Krishnan and Lau labs are seeking a highly motivated laboratory technician to join our research teams in the departments of Psychology & Neuroscience and Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology. Our research goals focus on identifying the molecular, cellular and neural mechanisms underlying typical behavior and neuropsychiatric disorders.

We use an integrative approach that includes molecular tools, in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiological recordings, optogenetic and chemogenetic tools, whole-brain histological analyses and behavioral assays to understand brain functions in ethologically-relevant behaviors as well as behavioral paradigms that aim to test specific sensory modality, of both healthy mice and mouse models of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Perform wet-lab experiments:

• Perform a broad range of molecular, cellular, and histological laboratory techniques to support ongoing neuroscience research projects. 

• Responsibilities may include tissue collection, fixation, sectioning, and processing; immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining; PCR and genotyping; RNA/DNA extraction; Western blotting; and other molecular and biochemical assays. 

• Follow established protocols carefully, maintain detailed and accurate experimental records, troubleshoot technical challenges, and assist with the optimization and development of experimental procedures. 

• The technician will be expected to work independently on routine experiments while collaborating closely with researchers on more complex studies.

Perform animal work and behavioral assays:

• Assist with the day-to-day management and maintenance of laboratory mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, identification, genotyping, and record keeping. 

• Perform and assist with a variety of mouse behavioral assays designed to assess sensory, cognitive, emotional, social, and/or ethologically relevant behaviors. 

• Conduct animal procedures in accordance with approved IACUC protocols, institutional policies, and applicable animal welfare regulations. 

• Accurately document behavioral and experimental data, maintain organized animal records, and work closely with research personnel to coordinate breeding, experimental timelines, and animal availability.

Perform microscopy analyses and image analyses:

• Prepare biological samples for microscopic examination and acquire high-quality images using epifluorescence and confocal microscopy. 

• Optimize imaging parameters and acquisition settings to obtain reproducible and quantitatively reliable datasets. 

• Perform image processing and quantitative analyses of cellular, anatomical, and molecular markers using appropriate image-analysis software. 

• Assist with the development and application of standardized image-analysis workflows, maintain organized imaging datasets and metadata, and contribute to the interpretation and presentation of microscopy results.

Prepare reagents, maintain laboratory inventories, and order supplies:

• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, solutions, media, and other materials required for molecular, histological and  behavioral experiments. 

• Maintain accurate records of reagent preparation, concentrations, storage conditions, and expiration dates. 

• Monitor laboratory inventories and anticipate supply needs to ensure that experiments can proceed without interruption. 

• Maintain organized storage of chemicals, reagents, consumables, and equipment; place and track orders; receive and properly store incoming materials; and communicate with vendors as needed to resolve ordering or delivery issues. 

• Assist with maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring that shared laboratory spaces are clean, organized, and compliant with institutional safety requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience or Cell Biology

• Experience: Experience with behavioral assays using rodent models.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 

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

• Experience:

  • Hands-on experience in slice electrophysiology and systems neuroscience approaches.

  • Programming skills for data analysis (MATLAB, Python, or R).

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite 

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR05
• Anticipated hiring range: Minimum $18/hour
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. 

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The Department

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, Division of Social Sciences. The Department has the largest undergraduate program, with two degree programs, a BA in Psychology and a BS in Neuroscience, and has the largest doctoral program at the University of Tennessee.

We have three graduate programs: Experimental Psychology, with concentrations in Cognitive and Developmental Science, Social, and Neuroscience and Behavior, as well as two nationally accredited doctoral programs in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology.

The University of Tennessee Psychological Clinic is a multidisciplinary training site for the doctoral programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology.

At our Clinic, our doctoral students assess and treat children, adolescents, adults, and couples/families for a wide spectrum of behavioral and mental health conditions. Our Clinic strives to offer you quality mental health care in a confidential, comfortable environment.