Post-Doctoral Research Associate, NSF Engine Funded Project, Center Renewable Carbon: UTIA

Job Description

Your research responsibilities will include experiment design, data analysis, report, publication, and other related work. You are expected to work with the whole project team.

The duration of the initial appointment is 12 months with a possible renewal based on performance, funding, programmatic need, and institutional approval. Anticipated start date is January 1, 2027.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

• An NSF Engine’s funded project, with an emphasis on the Lignin Foam Products.
• Research responsibilities will include experiment design, data analysis, report, publication, and other related work.

• A Ph.D. in chemistry, polymer science, wood science, composite, or a closely related field completed before the position start date.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Expertise and experience in the resin synthesis, industrial application, lignin processing and applications, reinforcing material, and building materials and technologies
• Strong publication record
• Good teamwork

• Location:
  
  Knoxville, TN
• This is an onsite position working in the labs on the campus of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.

• Anticipated hiring range: $60,000 per year plus benefits.
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

The Center for Renewable Carbon at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is a globally recognized leader in developing new and improved bioenergy sources, biorefinery processes, bioproducts, and biomaterials. The Center coordinates science, knowledge transfer, and workforce training to develop sustainable and economically viable circular bioeconomy systems.

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.