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Great tech jobs in Knoxville, Tennessee

Post Doctoral Research Associate, Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology: UTIA

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Knoxville, TN, USA
Posted on Dec 31, 2025

Work on bioengineering plants as a chassis to achieve a variety of functions, including biosensing, pharmaceutical production, nutrient biofortification, and remediation of environmental chemicals. The goals of these projects will be to reimagine plants as engineered devices capable of achieving complex non-native functions. Direct experience in plant bioengineering or biotechnology is not required; however, competitive applicants will have experience in bioengineering at least one chassis organism. Yeast and bacterial systems are commonly used to validate components or assemble constructs prior to final installation in plants. Applicants should have strong experience in cloning, circuit design, and bioengineering with relevant publications to demonstrate their expertise.

CASB is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research facility working on a variety of projects. CASB maintains a large portfolio of high-throughput instrumentation, including 4 automated liquid handling systems, a cell-sorter, a flow cytometer, a complete sequencing hub, microscopy facility, and LC/MS. As the projects are high-risk, high-reward, and focused on achieving aggressive milestones, applicants must be capable of thinking ‘outside the box’ and meeting designated deadlines. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

(Hiring Multiple Positions)


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!

Post-Doctoral research work on bioengineering plants as a chassis to achieve a variety of functions, including biosensing, pharmaceutical production, nutrient biofortification, and remediation of environmental chemicals.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have a PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, bioengineering or a related-field. Candidates who are in process of obtaining the degree may be considered but degree must be conferred by Summer 2026 with official transcript provided as verification. Applicants must have demonstrated experience (publications) in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field to be considered for these positions. Preference will be given to applicants with strong publication records, considerable drive and motivation, and excellent problem-solving skills.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Post-Doctorate by Summer 2026 in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, bioengineering or a related field, with official transcript provided as verification.

  • Experience: Publications in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, bioengineering or a related field/strong experience in cloning, circuit design, and bioengineering with relevant publications to demonstrate their expertise.

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Plant Bioengineering or Plant Biotechnology. willing to work in a team environment with a diversity of people. must be capable of thinking ‘outside the box’ and meeting designated deadlines.

Work Location:

  • Location: On-site at The University of Tennessee Agricultural Campus

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

1) a cover letter stating the applicant’s research experience, interests and possible starting date, 2) a CV, and 3) the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three references.

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division:

CASB is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research facility working on a variety of projects. CASB maintains a large portfolio of high-throughput instrumentation, including 4 automated liquid handling systems, a cell-sorter, a flow cytometer, a complete sequencing hub, microscopy facility, and LC/MS.


Research related to bioengineering plants as a chassis to achieve a variety of functions, including biosensing, pharmaceutical production, nutrient biofortification, and remediation of environmental chemicals.