Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Microbiology - UTK

The Clasen lab in the Department of Microbiology at UTK is seeking a post-doctoral researcher with expertise in structural biology. The lab studies the relationship between the host immune system and the commensal microbes that colonize the intestinal tract. We seek to understand how host immune responses impact microbial behavior. To address this, we employ a combination of techniques in molecular biology and immunology, next generation sequencing, and in vitro and in vivo models. This position contributes to the daily operations of the laboratory by ordering and maintaining lab supplies, organizing and managing laboratory space and databases, and supporting new lab members and experimental projects. The role requires performing and troubleshooting a variety of experiments while maintaining detailed laboratory records. Experimental techniques may include protein analysis such as expression and purification, cryo-EM, ELISA, western blotting, and immunoprecipitation; cell analysis including cell sorting, separation, and flow cytometry; bacterial culturing under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions; molecular biology techniques such as cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, and PCR; microscopy; and 2D and 3D cell culture. Additional responsibilities may include mouse organ dissection and preparation of cells and tissues for downstream assays. The position also involves working with animals and maintaining mouse colonies by serving as the primary health contact for animals, managing detailed colony and breeding records, and performing mouse tagging, weaning, and genotyping. 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. Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!