Temporary Part-Time Research Technician, Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology: UTIA

This position will assist and support Extension and Research programs by applying demonstrated experiences in the areas of Plant Pathology to projects. This position conducts and assists with laboratory, greenhouse, field plant health research, and Extension programs. This position requires experience with plant pathology research, writing reports, and Extension resources. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant. 

Writing Support – 50%

• Develops and contributes to Extension resources by creating and developing reports, fact sheets, and web-based materials. 
• Conducts literature reviews and prepares research findings for publication by following research protocols and exploring topics in-depth.
• Supports research operations by writing reports.

Research Support – 50%

• Collects and isolates pathogens in order to perform laboratory procedures related to pathogen and pest diagnostics.
• Support research functions by maintaining research supply inventories and operating basic research instrumentation and equipment.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: 
  • Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology and Entomology.
• Experience: 
  • At least one year of professional research experience, including scientific writing and documentation.
  • A valid US driver license is required. 
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
  • Experience in plant pathology research and plant health related issues.
  • Ability to develop scientific reports, fact sheets, educational materials, and online resources.
  • Ability to follow detailed research protocols and standard operating procedures.
  • Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques, as well as greenhouse and field experiments. 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a part of a team.

 

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 visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: 
  • Master’s Degree in Plant Pathology and Entomology, Plant molecular biology.
• Experience: 
  • Experience in plant pathology research, including greenhouse and field experiments.
  • Experience of preparing manuscripts, Extension publications, fact sheets, reports and online educational resources.
  • Ability to use basic statistical software to analyze and interpret data.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

   

  • Strong writing and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to develop clear, accurate Extension and Outreach materials for diverse audiences.
  • Experience with pathogen isolation, RNA and DNA extraction, and proficiency in molecular techniques, including PCR.

 

Work Location:

• Location: Nashville, TN
• Onsite

 

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR03
• Anticipated hiring range: $18/hour

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

   

 

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 April 5th, 2026. 

• Resume

• Cover Letter

   

   

About The College/Department/Division:

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (EPP) provides leadership in the generation and dissemination of knowledge on insects, related arthropods, and plant and animal diseases that affect the quality of life of all Tennesseans. Our department is the only academic unit in Tennessee with the mission and responsibility to provide basic and applied information on questions of plant diseases and insect related problems affecting plants, animals, and humans. 

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 foo