Laboratory Technologist, Research, College of Veterinary Medicine: UTIA

A full-time position of Laboratory Technologist will be available within two molecular pathology/diagnostics-focused and dermatology-focused research laboratories in the College of Veterinary Medicine beginning in the Summer of 2026. The primary purpose of this position is to provide research support to both of the labs of Dr. Hiroyuki Mochizuki and Dr. Chie Tamamoto-Mochizuki. 

Assist and support high-quality scientific investigation of molecular pathology and diagnostics as directed by Dr. Hiroyuki Mochizuki; learn and perform various biologic, cellular, and molecular research techniques including nucleotide isolation and quantification from cells, blood, and tissues of animals, PCR (conventional, real-time, and digital), gel electrophoresis, sequencing (Sanger and next-generation sequencing), etc.; communication with veterinary clinicians and diagnostic and laboratory research staff for sample acquisition; record and analyze research results; maintain accurate records of research activities and update laboratory databases; help train undergraduate and graduate students in research techniques and equipment operation; monitor research supplies including consumable materials, specimens, and inventory and initiate purchase requests as needed; having training or willing to be trained in basic animal handling depending on the research study. Performs basic quality control, quality assurance procedures and troubleshooting. Assists with reporting data. Providing some supervision of student assistants if applicable.

Assist and support high-quality scientific investigations in immunology and neuroscience research under the direction of Dr. Chie Tamamoto-Mochizuki; learn and perform a variety of biological, cellular, and molecular research techniques such as immunostaining, in situ hybridization (ISH), cell culture, RT-qPCR, digital PCR, and next-generation sequencing; prepare experiments such as isolating and dissociating tissue samples, sectioning (cryosectioning, microtome), extracting mRNA, and organizing samples; record and analyze research results; monitor research supplies (including consumables, specimens, and inventory), and initiating purchase requests as needed.

Depending on experience and qualifications of successful candidate, individual will be hired in as a Laboratory Technologist 1, Laboratory Technologist 2, Senior Laboratory Technologist 1, or Senior Laboratory Technologist 2:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Laboratory Technologist 1:

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or another lab science

Minimum Experience: None

Preferred Experience: Some background in animal handling (rodent, rabbit, dog, cat, and/or cattle) is preferred.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Basic knowledge of biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or related science 
• Must have good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Softwares (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Must be able to operate basic laboratory equipment or be willing to learn operation
• Willing to learn complex assays and novel computer systems and equipment

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or other lab science, including DNA, RNA and protein isolation.
• Real time PCR; tissue culture; microscopy.
• Skill in teaching previous techniques to graduate and veterinary students.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and write comprehensive reports.

Laboratory Technologist 2:

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or another lab science

Minimum Experience: 2 years of relevant experience

Preferred Experience: Some background in animal handling (rodent, rabbit, dog, cat, and/or cattle) is preferred.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Intermediate knowledge of biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or related science 
• Must have good communication skills and be able to give written and verbal direction. 
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Softwares (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Must be able to operate basic laboratory equipment or be willing to learn operation
• Willing to learn complex assays and novel computer systems and equipment

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or other lab science, including DNA, RNA and protein isolation.
• Real time PCR; tissue culture; microscopy.
• Skill in teaching previous techniques to graduate and veterinary students.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and write comprehensive reports.

Senior Laboratory Technologist 1:

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or another lab science

Minimum Experience: 4 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Experience: Some background in animal handling (rodent, rabbit, dog, cat, and/or cattle) is preferred.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or related science 
• Must have excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Must have moderate knowledge of Microsoft Office Softwares (Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Must be able to give written and verbal direction

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or other lab science, including DNA, RNA and protein isolation.
• Real time PCR; tissue culture; microscopy.
• Skill in teaching previous techniques to graduate and veterinary students.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and write comprehensive reports.

Senior Laboratory Technologist 2:

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or another lab science

Minimum Experience: 6 years of relevant experience

Preferred Experience: Some background in animal handling (rodent, rabbit, dog, cat, and/or cattle) is preferred.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or related science 
• Must have excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Must have moderate knowledge of Microsoft Office Softwares (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Must be able to give written and verbal direction
• Ability to supervise staff
• Ability to teach

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of biology, genetics/genomics, pathology, diagnostic sciences, or other lab science, including DNA, RNA and protein isolation.
• Real time PCR; tissue culture; microscopy.
• Skill in teaching previous techniques to graduate and veterinary students.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and write comprehensive reports.

The Veterinary Medical Center is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required of this position.

Work Location:

Knoxville, Tennessee   

On-Site

Compensation and Benefits: 

• UT market ranges: 05-08
• Anticipated hiring range: $43,155.84-$49,969.92
• 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. 

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College

The UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), located in Knoxville, was established by an act of the Tennessee Legislature in 1974 and is part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.

UTCVM is one of 33 veterinary colleges in the United States and provides opportunities for Tennessee students while serving pet owners and the livestock industry as well as protecting public health, enhancing medical knowledge and generating economic benefits to the state and nation.