Research Technician, Department of Plant Sciences: UTIA

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Full-time

Knoxville, TN, USA

Posted on Oct 15, 2026

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)

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 University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is seeking a Research Technician to support plant biology research in the Department of Plant Sciences. This hands-on role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with plants, laboratory procedures, greenhouse environments, and research data while contributing to projects that advance agricultural science. (Hiring 2 positions)

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

  • 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.

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