UTSI Research Scientist

Overview

Job Description
The Research Scientist provides senior-level leadership and oversight for complex research administration and operational functions at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI). This position supports institutional research objectives by managing high-impact research operations, ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal requirements, and coordinating resources to support faculty, principal investigators, and research staff across multiple programs.

The Research Scientist provides senior-level leadership and oversight for complex research administration and operational functions at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI). This position supports institutional research objectives by managing high-impact research operations, ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal requirements, and coordinating resources to support faculty, principal investigators, and research staff across multiple programs. This position is responsible for advanced research management functions requiring independent judgment, strategic decision-making, and coordination across academic, research, and administrative units.

The Research Scientist oversees complex research operations, contributes to strategic planning, and ensures effective execution of research initiatives aligned with UTSI’s mission. The role requires a high level of discretion, collaboration, and technical knowledge related to research environments and compliance frameworks.

• Provide leadership and oversight for complex research operations and administrative processes.
• Coordinate institutional research resources to support multiple projects, programs, or research initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Serve as a key liaison between faculty, principal investigators, research staff, and administrative offices.
• Analyze operational needs and develop solutions to improve research efficiency and effectiveness.
• Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts related to research administration.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and documentation related to research operations and outcomes.
• Support audits, reviews, and compliance activities related to sponsored research and institutional requirements.

• PhD in Engineering with work related to Fluid Mechanics and/or Computational Modeling and Simulation, or an equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of extensive experience in the design, performance, and analysis of computationally based research projects.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Evidence of research dissemination through conference presentations or similar scholarly venues.

• Experience conducting computational research in a research-intensive or applied research environment.
• Experience collaborating on multidisciplinary research teams.
• Experience supporting externally funded research projects.

• Knowledge of fluid mechanics and its application to computational modeling and simulation.
• Knowledge of numerical methods, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and simulation techniques used in research environments.
• Knowledge of research design, performance, and analysis for computationally based research projects.
• Knowledge of current research literature and emerging methods in computational modeling and simulation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including preparation of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Skill in developing, executing, and validating computational models and simulations.
• Skill in analyzing complex data sets and interpreting computational results.
• Ability to conduct independent research while collaborating effectively with faculty, principal investigators, and research teams.
• Ability to apply advanced computational tools and software to solve complex research problems.
• Ability to manage multiple research tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving research priorities.

• Location:
  
  Tullahoma, TN
• Onsite