Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Research Group of Prof. Yingwen Cheng

The Position: The position of a Postdoctoral Research Associate is open in the research group of Prof. Yingwen Cheng in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The researcher will work on developing advanced electrode materials and electrolytes for next generation battery technologies. All candidates must have successfully defended and submitted dissertation before their employment date. The search starts immediately and continues till the position is filled.

The research projects of Prof. Yingwen Cheng’s Group focuses on developing new chemical principles to explain and control electrochemical processes for inter conversion of electrical and chemical energy. Outcomes of our work contribute to electricity-driven chemical manufacturing and storage of renewable electricity for transportation and smart power grid. We are especially interested in studying well-defined materials with systematically tunable variables to extract fundamental insights. Major topics for the near future include: 1) solid active motifs design for electrocatalytic conversion of small molecules; 2) new electrochemical interfaces for extreme batteries; 3) new ways to modulate electrochemical processes via external forces and 4) synthesis of novel nanostructures with predictable functions.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• The ideal postdoctoral research associate candidate will work on assigned research projects as well as mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• The postdoctoral research associate candidate must be knowledgeable and experienced in electrochemistry, analytical chemistry and materials chemistry.
• Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in peer reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

• Must have successfully defended and submitted dissertation by hire date, Ph.D. in chemistry or closely related field.
• An excellent track record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals.
• The postdoctoral candidate must have strong verbal and writing skills. The candidate must be willing to work independently and collaboratively with group members, and preferably also with experimental collaborators. The candidate must also be willing to mentor the graduate students in the group from time to time.
• Motivated and safety conscious.
• Ability to set priorities, multi-task and adapt to ever changing needs with the proven ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.

Salary: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and other qualifications. This is a regular, full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track staff position. The appointment begins in Spring 2025, and will continue for 12 months

Application Process: Please complete the on-line application (https://hr.utk.edu/staff-positions) for full consideration. Provide the following in the application file: cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcript, and a list of at least three references (with current e-mail address and phone number/s) in the application file. One reference must be your current supervisor. A review of all applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Primary Location: Knoxville, TN USA

Organization: Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry

Schedule: Regular, Full-time, exempt (monthly)