• Job Description

  Req#: 300761
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  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.

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  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.

• About the company

  The University of Tennessee is a public land-grant research university in Knoxville, Tennessee.

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