Research Technician: Department of Microbiology - UTK

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 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.

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