Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Center for Renewable Carbon: UTIA

Role details

Job Description

Current methods for creating liquid-repellent surfaces heavily depend on fluorine chemistry (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which has caused significant harm to ecosystems and human health. However, nature does not need fluorinated chemicals to repel liquids, e.g., lotus leaves, insects, and animals). The selected applicant will join Dr. Mi Li’s group to exploit the surface chemistry and material structure using plant-based chemicals and materials to engineer low surface energy materials. The successful candidate will develop fundamental understanding and practical routes for this project.

The duration of the initial appointment is 12 months with a possible 1-year 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.

Responsibilities

The successful candidates will:

• Design and conduct independent and collaborative research in biomaterials, biomass chemistry, biopolymer chemistry, and related areas.
• Plan and perform experiments; establish reproducible protocols; maintain complete research records; and analyze and interpret data critically.
• Synthesize and characterize low-surface energy chemicals using plant-based precursors
• Design and assess materials with desired micro-/nano-structures
• Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, technical reports, and contributions to research proposals.
• Participate actively in laboratory and project meetings and contribute to an open, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research culture.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education:

• Must be an accredited PhD graduate in wood science, chemical engineering, pulp and paper engineering, polymer chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field.

• Experience:

• Evidence of research productivity and the ability to formulate hypotheses, design rigorous experiments, interpret results, and communicate findings clearly.
• Hands-on experience in at least one area relevant to the position, such as biomass chemistry, nanomaterials, surface and interface characterization or porous and particulate materials.

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience:

• Cellulose and lignin chemistry and chemical modification, multiscale structure design, and materials performance

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Familiarity with advanced characterization methods, such as NMR, FTIR, GC/MS, GPC, CNHS, TGA, DSC, SEM, and goniometer.

Work Location

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

Compensation And Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $52,000 - $55,000 per year plus benefits.
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the attachments noted below. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before September 30th.

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• A concise research statement (one to two pages) describing proposed directions relevant to this project.

About The College/Department/Division

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.

About Us

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!