Viticulture Research Technician, Department of Plant Sciences: UTIA en The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville · Knoxville, Estados Unidos De América · Onsite
- Junior
- Oficina en Knoxville
The technician will primarily assist research projects focused on vineyard management practices, plant–environment interactions, and fruit quality, contributing to applied and fundamental viticulture research across Tennessee.
Responsibilities
- Support viticulture and grape physiology research projects at UT in field, greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory settings.
- Data collection and data entry from UT experimental vineyard, greenhouse, growth chamber studies, and vineyard trials across the entire state of Tennessee.
- Prepare lab chemicals and equipment, carry out analyses to determine plant physiological parameters, fruit and wine quality.
- Operate specialized research equipment, including but not limited to ATV, tractor, sprayer, mower, hedger, pressure chamber, gas exchange system, chlorophyll meter, spectrophotometer, refractometer, titrator, pH meter, HPLC, and GC-MS.
- Train graduate students or interns in field and laboratory techniques, ensuring precision and reproducibility.
- Keep accurate and detailed records of research procedures, data, and results.
- The technician might be asked to create research posters to present at local conferences.
- Provide routine care for vines in the greenhouse, growth chambers, and in the vineyard. This includes but not limited to soil mixing, potting, fertilizing, irrigating, pruning, spraying, mowing, hedging, harvesting.
- Ensure and maintain the proper functioning of the wet lab (chemical storage, trackability, safety and disposal, lab inspection), greenhouse, growth chamber, and field equipment; report any issues requiring repair or replacement.
- Administrative support: Perform purchasing and ordering of supplies, reconcile expenses, and obtain quotes for new equipment for UT viticulture program.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree – Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Viticulture
- Experience:
- At least one year of prior experience in a research laboratory setting related to viticulture/plant sciences/horticulture and previous experience in agriculture.
- Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for conducting research and contributing to scientific investigations.
- Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Knowledge of viticulture practices, wine and juice grape production, and fundamental plant physiological processes.
- Knowledge of laboratory, growth chamber, and field research techniques, including data collection, sample processing, and operation of research equipment.
- Strong ability to work outside (vineyards), in a greenhouse and in a lab.
- Skills in basic engineering or mechanical troubleshooting for maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.
- Skills in Microsoft word, excel and powerpoint.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team, demonstrating strong organizational and time-management capabilities.
- Ability to learn and apply new methods, technologies, and protocols to support the University of Tennessee's research objectives.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Education:
- Master’s Degree - Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Viticulture
Work Location:
- Location: 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, ANRB 301, Knoxville, TN 37996
- Onsite
Compensation and Benefits:
- UT market range: MR05
- 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. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before October 17, 2025.
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- List of 3 Professional References
About The College/Department/Division:
The Department of Plant Sciences, part of the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, addresses agricultural and environmental challenges through teaching, research, and Extension. We offer programs in plant sciences and landscape design, conduct research in crop production, genetics, plant physiology, and sustainable agriculture, and support growers and industry partners across Tennessee. Viticulture is a new and growing focus at UT, bringing research, teaching, and industry partnerships together.
