Job Details

Research Technician: Department of Microbiology - UTK

Position Number: 6576175
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Research Technician: Department of Microbiology - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 5094
Job Category: Research
Posting Date: 09/16/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1311 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
The Ibberson lab in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee is seeking a Research Technician to perform research experiments, collect, and analyze data with the PI in accordance with the general plans of the laboratory. This position will require the researcher to maintain a detailed laboratory notebook that documents the experimental plan, the methodology, and the results. This person will also assist with routine lab maintenance and lab management, including ensuring there are adequate supplies and that lab duties are performed.

This position is contingent upon continued funding of the lab.

Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Lead, plan and carry out projects in accordance with general lab plans.
Collect, analyze data, and create reports on activities to present at lab meetings, and in reports to funding agencies
Train students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff in techniques, data analysis, and utilization of equipment
Maintain safety manuals and protocols. Enforce occupational and environmental safety rules.
Evaluate research protocols and make changes where necessary in consultation with PI
Organizing and maintaining lab space, equipment, and databases
Maintain laboratory records by keeping clear and organized notebooks, documenting procedures, and recording data.
Coordinate undergraduate student workers as they perform laboratory duties.
Maintain lab inventory and replenish supplies as necessary.
Maintain chemical inventory. Perform general lab housekeeping and autoclaving biological waste as needed.
Monitor supply inventory and order as needed. Help to maintain accurate training logs for laboratory members.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biology or a related field is required.
Experience: Experience in molecular biology
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Must have knowledge of basic biology and microbiology.
- Must be familiar using computers to analyze data and in reading scientific literature.
- Techniques needed may include, but are not limited to:
  - Bacterial culturing (aerobic and anaerobic)
  - Molecular biology techniques (cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR)
  - Light and fluorescence microscopy
  - Perform skin and soft tissue infections in mice and harvesting and processing of tissue for downstream analyses
  - Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within microbiology

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master's of Science in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field or at least 1 years of research experience is strongly preferred.
Experience:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and GraphPad Prism
- Previous bioinformatic experience
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Highly motivated and the ability to work as part of a team and independently.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- The ability to develop independent research ideas.
- The ability to support the lab by participating in laboratory meetings and assisting in establishing standard operating protocols.

Work Location:

Location: Knoxville, TN
Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

UT market range: MR07
Anticipated hiring range: $37,705 - $50,000 depending on experience and qualifications

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before November 1, 2025.

Resume
Cover Letter
List of 3 Professional References

About Us
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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

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!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/5094/?mode=location