Research Associate

Position Information Position TitleResearch AssociateDivisionCollege of AgricultureDepartmentAgricultural ScienceNumber of hours per week37.5Days to be workedMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, FridayMonths per yearFiscal (12 months)If modified, list monthsJob TypeFull-TimeCampusMain CampusIf other location, please indicatePosition Number121130Advertised SalaryPay BasisMonthlyJob DescriptionTennessee State University is seeking a Research Associate for Agricultural Sciences andEngineering.The primary responsibility of this position is to provide technical leadership and laboratory management for a research program investigating the molecular mechanisms governing legume–rhizobium symbiosis. The successful candidate will conduct supervised and semi-independent laboratory, growth chamber, greenhouse, and field research while supporting a multidisciplinary research team consisting of postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduate students, and visiting trainees. The laboratory manager will help ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory and contribute to the development of high-quality research products, publications, and future grant proposals.The incumbent will perform the following duties and other related responsibilities as assigned:Perform molecular biology, microbiology, and plant biology experiments including nucleic acid extraction, PCR and qRT-PCR, cloning, plasmid construction, CRISPR vector assembly, bacterial transformation, electrophoresis, microbial culturing, microscopy, and other routine molecular techniques.Assist with generation, maintenance, and phenotyping of transgenic and mutant plant lines, including Medicago truncatula receptor mutants and peptide overexpression lines.Maintain collections of rhizobial strains, plasmids, barcoded bacterial populations, seed stocks, and other laboratory resources, ensuring accurate inventory, documentation, and long-term storage.Assist with experiments involving competitive rhizobial colonization assays, bacterial community analyses, receptor–ligand studies, and other molecular and genetic approaches supporting the CAREER research objectives.Generate high-quality experimental data suitable for peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and future grant applications.Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks and laboratory databases for protocols, primers, plasmids, microbial collections, seed inventories, sequencing data, and experimental records.Coordinate routine laboratory operations including ordering supplies, equipment maintenance, reagent preparation, and ensuring compliance with institutional laboratory safety regulations.Train and supervise undergraduate, graduate, and high school researchers in molecular biology, microbiology, plant science, and laboratory safety procedures, fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment.Assist the Principal Investigator in organizing laboratory meetings, coordinating research activities among personnel, and maintaining efficient laboratory workflows including travel coordination and reimbursements.Participate in greenhouse, growth chamber, and occasional field experiments as required by the research program.Minimum Qualifications M.S. degree in Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related life science discipline. At least one year of laboratory experience involving molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qRT-PCR, recombinant DNA technology, plasmid construction, cloning, nucleic acid extraction, and microbial culture techniques. Experience working with plants, plant-associated microorganisms, or molecular genetics is preferred. OR Experience with CRISPR technologies, plant transformation, bacterial genetics, microscopy, bioinformatics, or high-throughput sequencing analyses is desirable but not required. Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills with demonstrated attention to detail. Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team. Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines. Willingness to learn new experimental techniques and participate in professional development opportunities.Special Instructions to ApplicantsEmployment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section.You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.Open Date07/29/2026Close Date08/12/2026Job CategoryAdministrative/ProfessionalRequisition NumberBenefitsTennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.Quick Link