Research Technician - Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology (UTIA)

at  University of Tennessee Knoxville

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

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)
  Job Research Technical
  Primary Location US-Tennessee-knoxville
  Organization Entomology & Plant Path - Res
  Campus/Institute Institute of Agriculture
  Schedule Full-time
  Job Posting Jun 4, 2024, 12:46:37 PM

• 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