Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science: UTIA

(Multiple Positions)

The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville is seeking 2 highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with expertise in soil health and agroecology. These positions focus on investigating the agronomic and ecological impacts of soil health-building practices within diverse agroecosystems. The successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in both laboratory and field-based research, as well as strong data analysis capabilities. Experience in modeling or meta-analysis is highly desirable. In addition to research responsibilities, the postdocs will be expected to mentor undergraduate students, support the operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments, and contribute to a collaborative and dynamic research group. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

• Manage on-going long-term agricultural field experiments and establish new experimental trials
• Design and execute hypothesis-driven research focused on soil health and microbial ecology
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including carbon and nitrogen analyzers and gas chromatographs.
• Publish peer-reviewed research articles as well as extension articles
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate (M.S. level) students in research projects and professional development
• Contribute to grant proposal preparations and outreach events, and assist with components of laboratory management and organization.
• Hold a valid driver's license and be able to travel to field sites across Tennessee as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • By the time of hire, the successful candidate should hold a Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Soil Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field with a soil health-relevant major.
• Experience:
  • Overseeing field experiments, including soil sampling and collection of agronomic and environmental data.
  • Leading the preparation and publication of peer-reviewed research articles.
  • Working in a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Deep understanding of grand challenges and innovative solutions related to soil health in field-crop and pasture systems.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and visualization using relevant statistical and computational tools.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for both scientific and outreach audiences.
  • Excellent work ethics, time management, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education
  • Formal certification or training in data analysis and modeling.
• Experience:
  • One year of post-Ph.D. research experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Expertise in carbon and nitrogen isotope biogeochemistry.
  • Proficiency in microbial nucleic acid extractions and high-throughput sequencing.

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
• Onsite

Benefits:

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before 08/15/2025.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Copies of Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts
• List of 3 Professional References

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.

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