Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences - UTK

Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at University of Tennessee
Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN, USA

USD 60k-60k / year

Posted on Jul 17, 2026
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The Department of Earth, Environmental, & Planetary Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (EEPS) is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the UTK Tectonics research group (PI: Dr. Chelsea Mackaman-Lofland). This a 1-year position with the possibility of a 1-year extension (start date September 1, 2026).

The postdoc will conduct research in the broad fields of tectonics, structural geology, sedimentology, basin analysis, and geo/thermochronology. Researchers in the lab group combine fundamental field and analytical skills in these disciplines, including field mapping, structural and stratigraphic measurements, balanced cross section construction, basin analysis, geochronology, low-temperature thermochronology, and other approaches with cutting-edge numerical modeling techniques to explore the forces and dynamic interactions driving crustal deformation, topographic evolution, basin accumulation, and lithospheric dynamics. Focus areas for postdoc research include, but are not limited to, the Canadian and Montana Rockies, the Andes of Chile and western Argentina, western Turkey, and southern Appalachians. The postdoc will have full access to excellent research facilities in Strong Hall including mineral separation, electron microprobe, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, experimental petrology facilities, structural modeling facilities, the ICP-MS lab, and the Stable Isotope Lab.

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!
The Department of Earth, Environmental, & Planetary Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (EEPS) is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the UTK Tectonics research group (PI: Dr. Chelsea Mackaman-Lofland). This a 1-year position with the possibility of a 1-year extension (start date September 1, 2026).

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Applicants must hold a PhD in geoscience or a related discipline by the time of appointment
  • Experience: Have a publication record with at least one publication accepted, in press, or in review at a peer reviewed journal

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

    • Demonstrated experience in tectonics, structural geology, sedimentology, basin analysis, geo/thermochronology, and/or geochemistry

    • Demonstrated field, lab, and/or structural modeling abilities

    • Willingness to contribute to the broader research group, including overseeing some lab operations and providing excellent research mentorship at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Work Location

  • Knoxville, Tennessee; with opportunities for travel for fieldwork, lab analyses, conferences, and other activities.

  • Part-time remote work may be negotiated with the lab PI (Dr. Mackaman-Lofland) depending on postdoc and UTK Tectonics lab needs.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Anticipated hiring range: 60,000.00
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For best consideration applicants should submit the materials below before 8/1/2026:

  • Resume

  • Cover letter

About The Department

The Mission of the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences is threefold:

  • Empower students with critical knowledge and skills for life-long learning and enriching careers

  • Advance the frontiers of scientific knowledge in the Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences and related fields

  • Benefit all Tennesseans and the world through our service and collaboration with university, government, and industry partners

The successful applicant will engage in collaborative research, develop and lead independent projects on related topics, write scientific papers and grants, contribute to establishing UTK Tectonics lab infrastructure, and participate in graduate and undergraduate student mentorship.

Apply now
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