Career Center

Senior Research Associate & Lab Manager - Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology

• Regular full time position with benefits
• Pay Range: MR11
• Location: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Required documents to apply: CV, cover letter, 3 professional references

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is seeking a senior research associate - lab manager. This position develops, coordinates, executes, and assists in dissemination of research activities for the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Forest Pathology and Conservation lab and Woody Ornamentals. Research supports questions related to population genetics of fungal plant pathogens and their molecular detection, population biology, and diversity and conservation efforts of native plants. Focused on understanding complexity of host-pathogen-vector interactions in ornamental and forest tree species using morphological and molecular approaches, this position will provide statistical analysis support for ongoing and new projects. This position supervises, mentors, and trains graduate and undergraduate research student projects and may supervise technical research staff and visiting scientists. The position will be responsible for establishment, implementations, and maintenance of laboratory and greenhouse protocols, BSL2 training and permit compliance, and ordering and budgeting of laboratory consumables. This position will be management daily research projects for multiple professors.

Research Development and Management

Designs and executes molecular and genomics research both for independent and team objectives. Creates appropriate plans to test experimental hypotheses by identifying, planning, organizing, and disseminating research efforts across multiple projects. Efficient with laboratory approaches related to basic and molecular plant pathology, expertise in extraction of DNA/RNA from plant, insect, fungal tissues, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, data analysis using high-resolution capillary electrophoresis QIAxcel Advanced System and SeqStudio, DNA cloning, ability to isolate extracellular fungal enzymes, and familiarity with NGS library preparation.

Monitors research project efforts and collaborates with faculty on new grant research proposals. This position is responsible for planning, designing and executing research projects independently and with limited input from the supervisor. This position also coordinates research activities with other research collaborators.

Lab Management and Lab Safety

Coordinates and supervises technical staff, visiting scholars, graduate and undergraduate research activities. Acts as a liaison among laboratory team members to effectively coordinate and communicate efforts on projects. Maintains and executes lab security, BSL2 training and compliance, chemical safety, and certification files. Establishes, explains, and maintains protocols for laboratory equipment and common procedures. Ensures lab participants are adequately trained in techniques, safety, and certified for lab work. Is responsible for purchases (budget 500k-1mil annually) and maintains all consumables and chemicals used for experiments.

Communication of Research

Prepares and presents research data in multiple settings (data analysis, written, publications, student training, outreach activities for the department). Prepares and preserves fungal/insect/plant collections to be utilized on future projects or long-term storage. Actively conveys knowledge to students and mentors new and incoming students. Ensures diversity and inclusion of the lab and mutual respect of all lab members. Assists in yearly reports to funding agency. Maintain accurate and up-to-date reports and records to ensure accuracy and protection of data. Provides input into new test protocols and align methods of inquiry to obtain the goals of the research and ultimately publication of results in abstract, proceedings, book chapters and refereed journal articles.

Greenhouse Management

Manages general greenhouse research including irrigation, fertilization, monitoring, and scouting for pest and disease presence. Assists with greenhouse project design, implementation, and execution.