Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Oak Ridge Innovation Institute - UTK

UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate for the Fusion Technology and Materials for Extreme Environments Convergent Research Initiative. Experience in the areas of lithium chemistry, sintering, powder metallurgy and chemical engineering. This position requires a background in either Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or equivalent advanced degree (PhD) and demonstrate the ability to publish peer reviewed papers using sound principles and strategic approaches to their research. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant. The appointment would be a limited term appointment, approximately 6 months with the possibility of renewal. 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! PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or equivalent advanced degree.Knowledge and experience in laboratory management, including but not limited to: Export ControlInventoryStudent TrainingChemical Inventory Management and PurchasingExperience in the areas of lithium chemistry, sintering, powder metallurgy and chemical engineering.Demonstrated ability to publish peer reviewed papers using sound principles and strategic approaches to their research, at least two first author publications in peer reviewed journals, with co-authorships from collaborations in the laboratory.Experience in manuscript writing, conference presentations, and grant proposal support.An ability to:Conduct research and development within a collaborative environment.Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.Manage interpersonal conflicts skillfully.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.Strong team player with excellent communication and collaboration skills.U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.Mentorship experience of undergraduate and/or graduate students (preferred).Work LocationLocation: Knoxville, TNOnsiteApplication Instructions Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three references. For questions or inquiries please contact Dr. Caen Ang, email: View email address on click.appcast.io. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.About The Institute The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) was launched by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2021, in response to America’s need for a stronger pool of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent.UT-ORII is leveraging its joint UT-ORNL resources to foster an earlier interest in STEM in Tennessee schools, grow its interdisciplinary graduate programs, and accelerate collaborative discovery and innovation in convergent research initiatives of critical importance to the nation and to Tennessee.The position requires a background in either Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or equivalent advanced degree (PhD) and demonstrate the ability to publish peer reviewed papers using sound principles and strategic approaches to their research. Applied research in the areas of lithium chemistry, hydrogen chemistry, sintering, powder metallurgy and chemical engineering. Publish research in the form of reports and / or demonstrate the ability to publish peer reviewed papers using sound principles and strategic approaches to their research. Laboratory management, including but not limited to Export Control, Inventory, Student Training, Chemical Inventory Management and Purchasing. The expected hardware for responsibility includes metallography tools, furnaces, glove boxes and simple, mechanical equipment.Oversee radiological upgrade procedures, including documentation and adjustments to existing SOWs to Rad Worker I or II equivalent operations.The candidate is also expected to leverage their capability in conjunction with the research team in the 2nd year, with performance metrics aiming for 25% recovery. Full timePosting Date: 2026-05-27