About this role
Research Lab Technician Viticulture and Enology
Position Description: Performs highly skilled mechanical and/or analytical duties lead position in the coordination and completion of projects in a research lab or program. May supervises subordinate employees. Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all employees.
Major/Essential Functions: • General management and maintenance of research vineyards; operate vineyard equipment (hand tools, tractor, mechanized farm equipment, etc.), scout vineyard (pests, insects, diseases, weeds, and other production issues), pesticide application and record keeping, irrigation scheduling and monitoring, maintenance of vineyard equipment and irrigation system • General management and maintenance of the Viticulture and Enology Research Laboratory; operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, record keeping for all aspects of laboratory operations • Plan, organize, and implement multi-unit collaborative research withing the Department of Plant and Soil Science Viticulture and Enology group; conduct field and laboratory experiments under direct of project leaders, engage and organize research, data collection, work alongside students, post docs and visiting scholars. • Purchase vineyard and laboratory supplies • Travel to research and experimental sites • Interact and communicate with grape growers and industry stakeholders • Serve as safety captain for Viticulture and Enology research group. • Other duties as assigned
Preferred Qualifications: • Master’s degree with experience in statistics and experimental design, viticulture/enology/horticulture/agriculture science knowledge & skills. • Experience with vineyard grape production, laboratory work and field research methods through work or education. • Strong attention to detail. • Eagerness to learn. • Excellent organizational skills. • Computer literacy including proficiency with Microsoft Office and other relevant software. • Texas Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain the license within six months of hire date).
Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and two years experience; or a combination of education and/or related experience to equal six years.
About the Department and/or College: DAVIS COLLEGE Davis College includes the departments of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education and Communications, Animal and Food Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources Management, Plant and Soil Science, and Veterinary Sciences along with multiple research centers and institutes. The College has over 100 tenure-track faculty, 2747 undergraduate and 519 graduate students, numerous other staff employees, and generated approximately $16 million in extramural research funding.
The Department: The PSS Department is a comprehensive academic unit conducting research and offering coursework and programs in several areas of plant and soil sciences. There are 36 full-time faculty members and a student body consisting of approximately 180 undergraduate and 140 graduate students. B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. level degrees are offered in Plant and Soil Science. Additionally, distance education courses and four certificate programs are offered. The department is research-intensive, while fostering strong teaching expectations and commitments. Students in the department are educated to meet the challenge of using soil, water, and plant resources for sustainable production and environmental quality.
Special Instructions to Applicants: This position has an anticipated start date as early as August 2026. Inquiries may be sent to Dr. Thayne Montague ([email protected]). Please use “Viticulture and Enology Research Lab Technician” in the subject line.
Safety Information: Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.
Pay Statement: Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.
EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.
About the University: Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.