Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - UTK

Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at University of Tennessee

Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at University of Tennessee

Other Engineering

Knoxville, TN, USA

Posted on May 30, 2026
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The research group of Dr. Suya in the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to externally funded research in trustworthy AI, adversarial machine learning, and the security of physical/cyber-physical AI systems. The position is for one year in the first instance, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and funding. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to research projects at the intersection of trustworthy AI, security and privacy of cyber-physical and IoT systems, and physical-layer adversarial attacks against AI-enabled sensing and recognition systems. The position offers significant autonomy in shaping research directions, opportunities to co-author publications at top venues (CCS, NDSS, USENIX Security, IEEE S&P), mentor graduate/undergraduate students, and participate in proposal development for federal funding agencies (NSF, DARPA, ARO, DoE).

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!
Postdoctoral position in trustworthy AI, adversarial machine learning, and security of cyber-physical AI systems at UT Knoxville. PhD required; one-year appointment, renewable.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field (completed by start date).

  • Experience: Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in security, machine learning, or cyber-physical systems.

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Strong programming skills (Python and/or C/C++) and experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch or TensorFlow); excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Education: Ph.D. with a dissertation focus in security, machine learning, cyber-physical systems, or a closely related area.

  • Experience: First-author publications at top-tier security venues (e.g., CCS, NDSS, USENIX Security, IEEE S&P); experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate researchers; service to the research community (paper reviewing, workshop organization).

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Expertise in one or more of: adversarial ML, side/covert channels, sensor-driven attacks, IoT/CPS security; background spanning both systems-level (embedded systems, signal processing, wireless/communications) and AI/ML research is a plus.

Work Location

  • Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • Anticipated hiring range: Competitive, commensurate with experience. UTK provides comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off.

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For full consideration, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

  • Curriculum Vitae (with full publication list)

  • Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals

  • Research statement (1–2 pages) on past work and proposed directions

All related inquiries should be directed to Fnu Suya at fsuya@utk.edu.

About The Department

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is an R1 research university located in Knoxville, Tennessee, with strong collaborative ties to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) — one of the largest U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories — offering unique opportunities for joint research in AI security, cyber-physical systems, and high-performance computing.

The Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science houses internationally recognized faculty and research programs spanning AI/ML, security, embedded and cyber-physical systems, computer architecture, and data science. Knoxville offers a low cost of living and quick access to the Great Smoky Mountains and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

  • Lead and participate in research projects in one or more of the following areas: trustworthy AI; security and privacy of cyber-physical and IoT systems; side-channel attacks and defenses on AI workloads; or physical-layer attacks against AI-enabled sensing and recognition.

  • Co-advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate student researchers on related projects.

  • Co-author publications at top venues (e.g., CCS, NDSS, USENIX Security, IEEE S&P).

  • Contribute to proposal development for federal funding agencies (e.g., NSF, DARPA, ARO, DoE).

Apply now
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