Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Food Science - UTIA

Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Food Science - UTIA

Knoxville, TN, United States

The Department of Food Science is seeking (2) post-doctoral research associates to work in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas Denes at the University of Tennessee. The projects involve sequencing and genomic analysis of enteric pathogens to explore the genomic diversity and gene content of the strains causing illness in Tennessee. The postdoctoral research associates will attend routine cluster surveillance meetings with TN Department of Health and may assist with outbreak investigations.

Postdoctoral researchers will also have the opportunity to collaborate on projects associated with the TN Food Safety Center of Excellence.

Contribute to the design, implementation, analysis, and communication of results for advanced molecular detection projects funded by the Tennessee Department of Health. Conduct sequencing and genomic analyses of enteric pathogens to characterize strain diversity and gene content associated with illness in Tennessee. Participate in routine cluster surveillance meetings with the Tennessee Department of Health and assist, as needed, with outbreak investigations.

Collaborate with laboratory members and external partners on projects associated with the Tennessee Food Safety Center of Excellence. Prepare reports, presentations, and manuscripts; maintain accurate research records; and work effectively both independently and in team environments.

Applicants must have a PhD in microbiology, food science, epidemiology, biomedical sciences, computational biology or similarly related field. Candidates who are in the process of obtaining the degree may be considered if a defense date is set and the applicant’s major advisor confirms that graduation is on track.

Post-doctoral applicants must have demonstrated experience (publications and/or presentations) in fields related to microbiology, genomics, or computational biology. Although experience with Linux and basic programming (e.g., Python, Bash, etc.) is preferred, we will also consider applicants who have a strong interest in learning these skills.

Positions are full-time with benefits and available immediately. The current funding is through July 31, 2027 with the possibility of renewal depending on future funding. Salary is based on experience and qualifications according to UT policy; we will use the NIH postdoctoral stipend pay-scale as a reference.

UT market range:
Anticipated salary range: $60,000.00 to $62,000.00

Job Schedule:

Full time

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the EEO. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the EEO office.