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Viticulture Research Technician, Department of Plant Sciences: UTIA chez The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville · Knoxville, États-Unis d'Amérique · Onsite

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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. 

Company

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! 
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