Research Technician, Part-Time Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering UTK

The Research Associate will work as part of a collaborative research team conducting fieldwork with honey bees. The position involves a combination of data collection animal handling experimental support and research coordination with opportunities to contribute to ongoing scientific investigations. This role is ideal for candidates with a masters degree seeking applied research experience in ecology biology or related disciplines particularly those interested in pollinator systems and integrative animal research. Strong scientific writing skills are necessary including the ability to produce clear concise and well-structured manuscripts reports and technical documents for both specialized and broad audiences.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide support for research projects and activities involving:
  • Honey bee colonies in field settings
• Assist with fieldwork including:
  • Hive inspections and maintenance
  • Environmental sampling
  • Behavioral observations of pollinators
• Conduct animal care and handling in accordance with established protocols
• Collect record and manage experimental data
• Assist in sample preparation and basic laboratory analyses
• Support setup and maintenance of research equipment and field sites
• Contribute to data organization preliminary analysis and reporting
• Assist with general research operations and logistics

Required Qualifications

• Masters degree in:
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Animal Science
  • Or a related field
• Experience with:
  • Field-based ecological research or laboratory animal work
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Strong organizational and data recording skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with honey bees (apiculture)
• Familiarity with:
  • Behavioral observation techniques
  • Ecological sampling methods
• Basic data analysis skills (e.g. Excel R or Python)
• Experience maintaining detailed research records or lab notebooks
• Interest in pollinator health environmental systems or translational research

Work Environment & Expectations

• Combination of:
  • Outdoor fieldwork (apiaries and environmental sites)
  • Indoor laboratory work
• May require:
  • Lifting equipment (up to 40 lbs)
  • Early morning or variable scheduling based on field conditions
• Emphasis on safety animal welfare and research integrity

Appointment Details

• Position Type: Part-Time 75%

• Start Date: May 01 2026

• Compensation: $25/hr

Why This Position Matters

This role contributes to research at the intersection of:

• Pollinator health and ecosystem services
• Animal behavior and physiology
• Environmental and biological sciences

By supporting both field and laboratory systems the position offers a unique opportunity to engage in multi-scale interdisciplinary research with real-world impact.