Research Associate, Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology: UTIA

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Full-time

Knoxville, TN, USA

USD 55k-70k / year

Posted on Oct 8, 2026
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Research associate position is available in the laboratories of Dr. Scott Lenaghan and Neal Stewart within the Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology. This position is grant-funded and continued employment is contingent upon funding. The researcher will assist in the improvement of plants through genetic engineering to help address real world challenges in agriculture and the environment. A qualified candidate must be proficient in performing PCR, plasmid DNA isolation, restriction enzyme digestions, gel extractions, yeast transformation, plant transformation, preparation of media and buffers, greenhouse maintenance, and other tasks as needed. Must also be able to create experimental designs and assist in forming standardized research protocols. This position is also responsible for data quality assurance. (Hiring 4 positions)

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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

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!
Research associate position is available in the laboratories of Dr. Scott Lenaghan and Neal Stewart within the Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology. This position is grant-funded and continued employment is contingent upon funding. (Hiring 4 positions)

Required Qualifications:

  • Education:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Plant Synthetic Biology; Biology, Plant Science; Microbiology, Bioengineering, Virology, Plant Biology; Plant Pathology or Horticulture or related field.

  • Experience:

    • 2-3 years working in plant synthetic biology or related field; or a Master's Degree in a related field.

  • Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

    • Knowledge of plant molecular biology

    • Skill in PCR, gel electrophoresis, plant transformation, cloning, and molecular analysis

    • Skill in plant tissue culture

    • Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment

    • Data analysis skills

    • Excellent written and oral communication skills

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-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Education:

    • Master’s degree in plant biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or other related field.

  • Experience:

    • 4+ years post Master's Degree in plant synthetic biology or a related field.

  • Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

    • Knowledge of Virology

    • Publication Experience

    • Considerable drive and motivation

Work Location:

  • Location: Knoxville

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

  • UT market range: MR08

  • Anticipated hiring range: $55,000-70,000 per year

  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

  • Sample portfolio of your work. The portfolio could include PDFs, hyperlinks, and/or image files. When uploading images or work samples, please include clear labeling that includes your first and last name.

About The College/Department/Division:

Lab website: https://agsyntheticbio.tennessee.edu/

  • Evaluates specific methodology, plans methods and techniques, carries out procedures, and records results of a specific experiment or closely related series of experiments.

  • Performs actual analyses and summarizes data related to molecular experimentation in plant synthetic biology.

  • Performs duties under the general supervision of a principal investigator who reviews work through periodic conferences and evaluation of data collected.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

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