Research Coordinator, Center for Renewable Carbon: UTIA

University of Tennessee; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Knoxville, TN, is seeking a Research Coordinator II to manage daily laboratory operations and ensure safety compliance. The ideal candidate will have an associate degree in a relevant field and experience in a research lab. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this role, which requires in-person reporting to effectively support research initiatives.

Benefits

Health insurance options

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• At least one year’s experience working in a research lab or similar.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory safety practices and scientific principles.
• Candidates with strong electrical/electronics or plumbing skills are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory operations and equipment maintenance.
• Resolve conflicts related to laboratory operations.
• Conduct workspace inspections and enforce safety protocols.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving ability

Effective communication skills

Time management

Project coordination

Education

Associate degree in Forestry, Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Description

The University of Tennessee is seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to serve as a Research Coordinator II within the Center for Renewable Carbon. The successful candidate will oversee laboratory daily operations, ensuring the center functions efficiently and effectively while supporting research, project management, and general operations in a safe and collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

The Research Coordinator II will oversee various aspects of laboratory coordination and building management, including ensuring equipment is properly maintained, resolving conflicts related to laboratory operations, and managing inventories. A significant aspect of the position involves ensuring equipment maintenance and safety compliance through regular workspace inspections, providing training procedures, enforcing safety protocols, and troubleshooting safety-related issues as they arise.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Associate degree in Forestry, Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering or a related field.
• Experience:Atleast one year’s experience working in a research lab, machine/electronic shop or similar experience.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Candidates withstrong electrical, electrical/electronics, plumbing are highly desirable. Strong knowledge oflaboratory safety practices and basic scientific principles is essential. Candidates must also possess excellent organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Time management and project coordination expertise are also critical for success in this role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelors degree in Forestry, Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering or related field.
• Experience: Prior experience working in a university research setting is advantageous. Lab safety experience. Considerable experience working with people of varying backgrounds and education levels. Inventory and facilities management experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Candidates with woodworking and/or chemical safety compliance knowledge are highly desirable.

Work Location:

This position is located in Knoxville, TN, and requires in-person reporting. The selected candidate will be expected to work on-site to effectively manage the center’s operations and support its research initiatives.

Compensation and Benefits:

This regular full-time, hard-funded position falls within UT market range 08 (more information can be found here). UT offers competitive benefits packages that include health insurance options, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. More information on UT Benefits can be foundhere.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by October 19, 2025. Required documents include 1) resume detailing relevant experience and qualifications, a cover letter outlining interest in the position and alignment with the center’s mission, and a list of three professional references.

About The Center:

The Center for Renewable Carbon at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is internationally recognized for its innovative contributions to bioenergy sources, biorefinery processes, bioproducts, and biomaterials. By integrating cutting-edge research with knowledge transfer and workforce training initiatives, the center plays a vital role in advancing sustainable circular bioeconomy systems.