Research Associate - Department of Animal Science UTIA
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Full-time
Research
Posted on April 11, 2024
Research Associate - Department of Animal Science
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
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.
Qualifications :
Responsibilities and Expectations:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Preferred: 1-2 years of experience in research lab or experience with analyses listed.
Application: Apply online.