Research Associate - Department of Animal Sciences

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

Location: Knoxville, TN

Salary: Market Range 09

Description: Performs research utilizing applied and basic laboratory techniques to facilitate research across a variety of species, including cattle and equids. Executes methods to accomplish the overall research goals of the assigned faculty; reports data; prepares publications, protocols, IACUC and IRB applications, and grant materials; supervises and trains student workers; serves as lab manager (including ordering, inventory tracking, and supplies); provides technical assistance and supports research projects for several faculty; aids in dissemination of research information through presentations, field days/outreach events, written communication, visual aid development, and other outlets.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Research Analysis and Technical Assistance
  • Conduct laboratory analyses for faculty including, but not limited to: ELISA and colorimetric assays, RNA isolation, RNA-sequencing library preparation and sequencing, PCR (traditional and quantitative), western blotting and protein expression systems, forage grinding and NIRS scanning, wet chemistry (ex. kjeldahl, HPLC)
  • Develop and conduct industry-based research surveys.
  • Conduct applied and demonstrational research, both on campus and off-site at UTIA Research and Educational Centers throughout Tennessee, and other in-out of state locations
  • Aid in research sample collection spanning beef and dairy cattle, and equids, forages, and soil, including but not limited to blood and tissue samples, milk, urine, manure, rumen/stomach fluid, forage/soil samples, and carcass composting/skeletal recovery data.
  • Work with collaborators and UTK/UTIA/Industry or other institutional partners for proteomics, metabolomics, immunohistochemistry and other bioinformatic analyses, or additional assay needs.
  • Develop and conduct research surveys.
  • Analyze and interpret results from research projects.
  • Provide technical support and train individuals, including students, on various lab experiments and sampling techniques.
• Technical Writing and Dissemination
  • Manuscript preparation, including but not limited to initial draft, revisions, editing, and data visualization.
  • Grant writing includes but not limited to justification, background, materials, methods, and budget development.
  • Writing, submission, and maintenance of IACUC and IRB protocols
  • Visualization and dissemination of research methods and outputs in graphical, video, and/or web-based outlets
  • Presentation of research outputs and demonstrations at field days, scientific conferences, and outreach events/programs
  • Other research duties as assigned by faculty to whom this position reports.
• Lab and Research Project Management
  • Track inventory of lab supplies and order as needed.
  • Manage supply budgets.
  • Conduct basic lab safety checks, quality control, and adherence to lab safety protocols.
  • Work with collaborative partners to complete research projects.
• Supervision
  • Supervise graduate and undergraduate students, and part-time student workers and interns while conducting research activities, both on and off-campus.
  • Set schedules across faculty research programs to ensure faculty goals are met equally.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of research methods such as PCR, sequencing, ELISA, WB
• General knowledge of molecular biology and omics methods used in animal/medical studies.
• General knowledge of IACUC and/or IRB
• General knowledge of statistical software packages
• Data analysis skills and ability to prepare reports.
• Technical writing skills
• Ability to professionally work in a team environment.
• Knowledge of lab safety
• Ability to professionally work with those of varying education and backgrounds.
• Advanced ability to effectively communicate research concepts and results with varied groups and individuals through written, oral, and visual methods.
• Ability to execute and oversee research projects.
• Ability to allocate and coordinate research.
• Ability to oversee and direct the work of designated personnel and/or students.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize needs of several faculty.

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or related fields plus 2-3 years’ experience in animal science, biology, nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, or related field.

Preferred: Master’s degree in Animal Science or related fields preferred. 1-2 years of experience in research lab or experience with analyses listed.

Application: Apply online. For full consideration please submit Resume and Cover letter.

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.