Research Technician, Part-Time: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering - UTK

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Knoxville, TN, USA

Posted on Apr 17, 2026

The Research Associate will work as part of a collaborative research team conducting fieldwork with honey bees. The position involves a combination of data collection, animal handling, experimental support, and research coordination, with opportunities to contribute to ongoing scientific investigations. This role is ideal for candidates with a master’s degree seeking applied research experience in ecology, biology, or related disciplines, particularly those interested in pollinator systems and integrative animal research. Strong scientific writing skills are necessary, including the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured manuscripts, reports, and technical documents for both specialized and broad audiences.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
The Research Associate will work as part of a collaborative research team conducting fieldwork with honey bees. The position involves a combination of data collection, animal handling, experimental support, and research coordination, with opportunities to contribute to ongoing scientific investigations.

Required Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in:
    • Biology
    • Ecology
    • Environmental Science
    • Animal Science
    • Or a related field
  • Experience with:
    • Field-based ecological research or laboratory animal work
  • Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions
  • Strong organizational and data recording skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working with honey bees (apiculture)
  • Familiarity with:
    • Behavioral observation techniques
    • Ecological sampling methods
  • Basic data analysis skills (e.g., Excel, R, or Python)
  • Experience maintaining detailed research records or lab notebooks
  • Interest in pollinator health, environmental systems, or translational research

Work Environment & Expectations

  • Combination of:
    • Outdoor fieldwork (apiaries and environmental sites)
    • Indoor laboratory work
  • May require:
    • Lifting equipment (up to ~40 lbs)
    • Early morning or variable scheduling based on field conditions
  • Emphasis on safety, animal welfare, and research integrity

Appointment Details

  • Position Type: Part-Time, 75%

  • Start Date: May 01, 2026

  • Compensation: $25/hr

Why This Position Matters

This role contributes to research at the intersection of:

  • Pollinator health and ecosystem services
  • Animal behavior and physiology
  • Environmental and biological sciences

By supporting both field and laboratory systems, the position offers a unique opportunity to engage in multi-scale, interdisciplinary research with real-world impact.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

  • Provide support for research projects and activities involving:
    • Honey bee colonies in field settings
  • Assist with fieldwork, including:
    • Hive inspections and maintenance
    • Environmental sampling
    • Behavioral observations of pollinators
  • Conduct animal care and handling in accordance with established protocols
  • Collect, record, and manage experimental data
  • Assist in sample preparation and basic laboratory analyses
  • Support setup and maintenance of research equipment and field sites
  • Contribute to data organization, preliminary analysis, and reporting
  • Assist with general research operations and logistics
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