Temporary Research Assistant - Department of Nutrition - UTK

Job Description

Research in the Dr. Bettaieb's laboratory employs multidisciplinary approaches to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of metabolic diseases and cancer. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to ongoing projects, assist with experiments, data collection and management, and work closely with other team members in a highly integrative setting that bridges nutrition, molecular biology, and disease pathophysiology.(for more information, visit the lab website


Assist with routine laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, cell culture experiments, genotyping assays, and general lab maintenance and housekeeping duties. Assist with data collection, documentation, and organization for analysis and reporting purposes. Train incoming graduate and undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, cell culture experiments, genotyping assays, and general lab maintenance and housekeeping duties.
• Assist with data collection, documentation, and organization for analysis and reporting purposes.
• Train incoming graduate and undergraduate students

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a related field.
• A minimum one year experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of endocrinology, metabolism, and cancer, supported by a strong background in these areas
• Ability to work independently and also in a group/collaborative environment
• Ability to communicate effectively, self-motivated
• Skills and hands-on experience with in vitro cell culture and in vivo rodent experimentation, molecular biology (PCR and RT-PCR, cloning, gene editing techniques), protein detection (ELISA, Western blot), immunohistological and imaging skills.
• Ability to handle mice.
• Ability to handle Lenti-, retro-, and/or adeno-viruses.
• Ability to handling human and primate tissues.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR03
• Anticipated hiring range:
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

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 March 10, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 2 Professional References

Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK

About Us

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!