Research Technician - Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology (UTIA)
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is seeking to hire a research technician to join our growing team. The lab studies insect-microbe interactions, currently focusing on beneficial viruses inherited by parasitoid wasps. We use a combination of molecular biology, manipulative genetics, and genomic sequencing approaches to study these interactions and how they may lead to innovative biological control strategies. The successful candidate will play an integral part in overseeing laboratory operations, maintaining insect colonies, supervising student workers, contributing to research conducted in the lab, and interfacing with lab, departmental, and university staff.
Full Time, Hourly, MR05
Qualifications
Responsibilities
Oversee Laboratory Operations: help purchase new equipment and supplies for the lab; create and update inventories of lab equipment, supplies, and research samples; adhere to BioSafety regulations and oversee safety inspections; maintain clean and organized lab spaces
Maintain Insect Colonies: perform daily tasks required for insect colony upkeep, including procurement of supplies needed to maintain insect colonies; handling of insects at various life stages, preparing insect diet, and adhering to protocols for proper treatment and disposal of insects held in a USDA-APHIS Containment Area.
Supervise Student Workers: train students on proper laboratory and insect rearing procedures; coordinate student worker schedules; assist in student hiring procedures; meet with students regularly to delegate tasks
Contribute to Research Projects: Research projects can utilize a number of laboratory, entomological, and computational approaches, depending on the type of experiments and data needed to answer biological research questions; opportunities to help write manuscripts and receive authorship on published papers; participation in lab meetings, which could take the form of giving a research presentation, as well as reading and discussing scientific literature
Interface with Lab, Department, and University Colleagues: coordinate with lab personnel to accommodate their research needs; communicate with departmental faculty and staff regarding daily lab operations, as needed
Required Qualifications
BS in Entomology, Biology, Genetics, or a related field
Six months of experience working in a research laboratory.
The successful candidate should have knowledge of how scientific research is performed. They should have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize work effectively. They should have excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other members of the lab and department.
Preferred Qualifications
MS in Entomology, Biology, Genetics, or a related field
Over 1 year of experience working in a entomology or molecular biology research laboratory. Experience rearing insects, performing experiments, supervising students, communicating research findings through publications or presentations.
Knowledge of insect rearing and molecular biology principles; existing skills from working in a research laboratory setting; ability to occasionally work outside of normal hours for insect colony maintenance (e.g. over holiday breaks)
