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Entry Level Plant Science Research Jobs in Tennessee

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber Trainee

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

At Bartlett, we value a strong culture of excellence in safety, scientific research, lifelong ... This is a unique entry-level opportunity to develop your career in arboriculture through hands-on ...

Mars

Pilot Plant Technician

Thompsons Station, TN · On-site

This role executes business essentials tasks for pilot plant operations and R&D trials such as ... This position requires an AA/AS, BS degree in Science (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Analytical ...

New

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arboriculture Internship

Nashville, TN

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Research Laboratories To find out more about what life is like at Bartlett, check us out on ... Pursuing a degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Turfgrass, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Plant ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arboriculture Internship

Nashville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Research Laboratories To find out more about what life is like at Bartlett, check us out on ... Pursuing a degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Turfgrass, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Plant ...

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All JobsPlant Science Research JobsEntry Level Plant Science Research JobsEntry Level Plant Science Research Jobs in Tennessee

Entry Level Plant Science Research information

What is an entry level plant science research job?

Entry level plant science research jobs are positions designed for recent graduates or those new to the field of plant science. These roles typically involve assisting with laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing plant samples, maintaining research equipment, and recording data. Employees may work in universities, government agencies, or private industry, supporting projects that aim to improve crop yield, understand plant biology, or develop sustainable agricultural practices. Entry level positions often provide valuable hands-on experience and opportunities for advancement in agricultural and biological research. A background in biology, botany, or a related field is usually required.

What are the typical daily tasks for an entry level plant science researcher?

As an entry level plant science researcher, your daily activities often include preparing samples, maintaining greenhouse or laboratory equipment, collecting and recording data on plant growth, and assisting with experiments under the supervision of senior scientists. You may also be responsible for monitoring plant health, watering, and applying treatments as needed. Collaboration with other team members is common, especially when analyzing results or troubleshooting experimental setups. This role provides a solid foundation for learning essential research techniques and understanding experimental protocols in a supportive team environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level plant science researcher?

To thrive as an Entry Level Plant Science Researcher, you need a background in biology or plant sciences, basic laboratory skills, and at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software like Excel or R, and sometimes experience with GIS or molecular biology techniques is often required. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate research, effective problem-solving, and reliable contributions to scientific projects in plant science.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plant Science Research vs Laboratory Technician in the same industry?

AspectEntry Level Plant Science ResearchLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Plant Science, Biology, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, greenhouses, field sitesLaboratories, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, agricultural companies, universitiesResearch labs, biotech firms, agricultural companies

Entry Level Plant Science Research and Laboratory Technicians often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, research roles focus more on experimental design and data analysis, while technicians typically handle sample preparation and equipment maintenance. Both roles are essential in advancing plant science but differ in responsibilities and career progression paths.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Science Research jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Plant Science Research jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Plant Science Research jobs in Tennessee?

For Entry Level Plant Science Research jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Plant Science Research jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Plant Science Research jobs in Tennessee are:

Entry Level Plant Science Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plant Science Research job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research Associate, Northeast Tennessee AgResearch & Education Center - UTIA

The University of Tennessee

Greeneville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description


This position offers professional and technical support for animal, veterinary, and plant science research and outreach programs at the Northeast Tennessee Research and Education Center (NETREC). The role involves designing, planning, establishing, maintaining, and managing animal and plant science fields and controlled research environments. Projects will mainly focus on grasslands management, health, welfare, and production of food animals. Collaboration in the development of project plans and execution of those plans, including experimental layouts, forage production, securing supplies, and other animal husbandry items as needed. A strong work ethic is essential, as this is a hands-on, professional position in a fast-paced research and education environment.
The incumbent must maintain a flexible work schedule and will be required to live within a reasonable, agreed-upon distance from the farm to be available to quickly address and/or respond to any farm-related emergency or project protocols.
Responsibilities
  • Participates in the design, planning, establishment, maintenance, and natural resources for the processing of animal and plant science field and controlled research environments.
  • Collaborates in the development of project plans and execution of those plans, including experimental layouts, forage production including collection and analysis, securing supplies, and other animal husbandry items as needed for the center.
  • Reporting of data, accurate record keeping, and IACUC compliance is required.
  • Preparing and executing research protocols/working with project leader(s) to prepare/design a research protocol, securing site/pens and supplies as directed.
  • Individual Animal Records: date, treatment, location, feed, other applications. Recording, compiling, and analyzing data/recording data including sampling, weighing animals, and preparing summaries for presentations.
  • Maintaining up-to-date records of current research projects in a computer format is a necessary skill for this function of the position.
  • Assisting with field days, tours, agronomy plot work, and other special events as directed by the REC Director.
  • Maintaining research equipment/writing specifications for and assisting in securing equipment needed for research and development; maintaining equipment and instruments in accordance with maintenance.
  • May supervise employees but supervision is not the main focus of this position.
  • Complying with all UT Policies, attending appropriate in-service training and regulatory requirements including RCR.
  • Complies with all UT policies and regulatory policies, especially pesticide labels and APHIS regulatory requirements for regulated materials.
  • Supervising other personnel involved in the research/supervising day-to-day activities of graduate students, interns, or other co-workers assigned to assist with a research project(s).
  • Assisting with planning, maintaining, or completing research programs and/or projects involved in the discovery of new knowledge, techniques, and concepts in Plant Sciences.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree with one year of experience in animal/agronomy/biology/livestock/natural resources/plant/veterinary or closely related field.
  • Experience: 1-5 years/animal/livestock/biology/veterinary/agronomy/plant sciences or related farm experience. Graduate assistantships or other paid student assistant work that is relevant may be considered.
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Working knowledge of an agronomy farm with active livestock operations and maintenance of farm equipment; knowledge of plant science; ability to work long hours in extreme weather conditions and around dust and pollen; ability to have a flexible work schedule (frequent work on weekends and/or evenings). Excellent computer skills and knowledge of or ability to learn precision livestock/agriculture technologies. Knowledge of research methodology, protocols, data analysis, and forage production.
  • Other: Valid Driver's license, Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) certifications such as but not limited to Occupational Health screenings, Essentials for IACUC Members, working with the IACUC, and other AAALAC certifications as directed by REC Director. Tennessee Pesticide license or must obtain one within 90 days after start date of employment. The incumbent must maintain a flexible work schedule and will be required to live within a reasonable, agreed-upon distance from the farm to be available to quickly address and/or respond to any farm-related emergency or project protocols.
  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Education: Master's Degree
  • Experience: 2 years in animal, livestock, biology, veterinary, agronomy, plant sciences or related farm background. Research Center livestock background/agronomic field plot knowledge/experience is preferred. Graduate assistantships or other paid student assistant work that is relevant may be considered.
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Demonstrated ability to plan, design, and implement field/controlled research environments and advanced knowledge in research skills to interpret data. Applied skills in training/supervising personnel. Advanced word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, database, and statistical software. Proven ability and skills to prioritize, allocate, procure, and coordinate resources. Knowledge in a research academic setting is preferred. Agronomic field plot research is desirable.

Work Location
  • Location: Greeneville, TN
  • Onsite, as this is a hands-on professional position on an agronomy/livestock research and education center.

Compensation and Benefits
  • UT market range: MR08
  • Anticipated hiring range: $45,000 - $52,421)
  • 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 attachments noted below.
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division
Established in 1932, the Northeast Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is known for its research on burley tobacco production and beef cow-calf production.
Research is conducted on the 500 acres that make up the Center. Areas of research at the Center include all aspects of burley tobacco production with emphasis on breeding and production economics, variety testing, pest management, and breeding of field crops important to the agriculture of Upper East Tennessee and animal research in the areas of genetics, silage feeding, and grazing studies of fescue and warm-season native grasses.
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.
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