Sustainable Chemistry for Recyclable Biopolymers Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Role details

The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) invites applications from highly qualified research candidates to advance sustainable chemistry's fundamental science and engineering through the development of recyclable bio-derived monomers and polymers. The successful candidate will establish an externally funded, internationally visible research program that contributes to circular bioeconomy systems through innovative polymer synthesis, characterization, and recycling strategies.

Research areas of interest for this position may include, but are not limited to: Developing efficient syntheses of bio-derived polymers with properties comparable to, or exceeding those of conventional synthetic polymers, with emphasis on recyclability-by-design (e.g., using dynamic covalent bonds). Elucidation of ideal bio-derived monomers and chemical building blocks that enable targeted polymers properties, potentially in collaboration with plant and material scientists. Development of advanced processing pathways for mechanical, chemical, or biological recycling of bio-derived polymers.

This position is part of UT-ORII’s Circular Bioeconomy Systems (CBS) Convergent Research Initiative (CRI), a collaborative unit between ORNL and the University of Tennessee. The CBS CRI mission is to develop innovative, market-driven strategies to maximize the value of bio-based resources and create jobs in sustainable manufacturing and agriculture. By leveraging emerging science, this initiative aims to produce biomaterials from domestic sources, advancing American competitiveness while reducing reliance on foreign resources.

The CBS CRI aims to recruit ~10 new investigators at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). The CBS CRI supports its interdisciplinary researchers by offering networking opportunities with fellow scientists and bioeconomy stakeholders, facilitating collaborative experiments and proposal development, providing mentorship from senior CRI researchers, and offering tailored professional development opportunities.

The successful candidate will be expected to: Develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program with interdisciplinary connections across the network of UT-ORII CBS Convergent Research Initiative. Establish innovative approaches to synthesizing bio-based materials within circular bioeconomy systems. Undertake chemical syntheses such as chain-end modification of bio-derived renewable building blocks and synthesis of monomers from renewable resources Explore new approaches and technologies for synthesizing bio-based recyclable polymers with targeted properties using various plant-derived chemicals/building blocks, enabling the realization of a Circular Bioeconomy System.

Interface with UT-ORII programs to support UT-ORII CBS CRI's mission and goals. Build partnerships and collaborations through UTK’s Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (IAMM), the Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development (ORIED), Global Energy Ecosystems (GE2), and current and future industrial partners. As a UT-ORII research faculty member, the successful candidate will collaborate with designated UT departments, researchers, and ORNL researchers. This includes conducting research, preparing and submitting proposals, supporting existing research projects, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Required Qualifications

PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or closely related discipline. Research experience in areas supporting UT-ORII’s Circular Bioeconomy Systems mission, which include, but are not limited to: Synthesis of bio-derived monomers and polymers. Characterization tools and techniques to identify underlying chemical and physico-mechanical properties of preprocessed and recycled materials at various stages of the CBS loop. Chemical, biological, and/or thermochemical recycling of bio-derived polymers.

Demonstrated research track record supporting the candidate’s potential to establish a nationally and internationally recognized research program aligned with UT-ORII’s mission and goals. Strong writing and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A clear path to independence as a researcher is desired, though collaboration with more senior investigators is also encouraged. This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Preferred/Desired Qualifications: Experience in more than one discipline or interest in collaboration across these disciplines. Track record of funded research.

Evidence of graduate and undergraduate student mentoring or the potential to mentor students successfully. Knowledge of, or experience in, conducting techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of preprocessing and recycling processes and technologies relevant to biorefineries and UT-ORII’s CBS CRI. Working knowledge and/or experience using artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to discover novel polymers and enable process optimization. This position will be implemented via a 3-year renewable appointment. Salary will be determined commensurate with experience. Benefits will be typical of those offered to exempt employees at the University of Tennessee.

Start-up funds are available to outfit a lab, and a recurring budget is also available. Additional Information This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position. The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, but may also include joint appointment at ORNL (assuming person meets ORNL requirements). The primary work location for this position is on the UTIA campus in Knoxville.

The position will be implemented as an initial three-year appointment with full salary support for the first year, followed by a gradual decrease in salary coverage such that the successful applicant will receive 50% salary support in year 5 (if renewed) and is expected to receive extramural funding by year 3 or earlier. The applicant will be expected to recruit multiple graduate students by year three. A competitive startup package, including funds for graduate students and equipment, will be offered. Salary and title/rank to be determined commensurate with experience. Benefits will be typical of exempt employees at the University of Tennessee.