Post-doctoral Research Associate: College of Nursing - UTK

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Knoxville, TN, USA

USD 60k-70k / year

Posted on Jul 12, 2026

The College of Nursing (CON) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, the state’s flagship research institution, seeks a Post-Doctoral Researcher who will work directly with a senior researcher to receive advanced research training. In addition to conducting research, the post-doctoral researcher will provide services as a Project Director Trainee under the supervision of the senior researcher. This project director experience is an integral part of the role and serves as important research training for the position.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.


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 College of Nursing (CON) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, the state’s flagship research institution, seeks a Post-Doctoral Researcher who will work directly with a senior researcher to receive advanced research training.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Earned PhD in Nursing, Informatics, Data Science, Psychology, or Computer Science

  • 1-2 years of experience conducting or assisting with nursing research.

  • Excellent time management skills and ability to work accurately under deadlines

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills to provide concise explanations to a number of constituents

  • Excellent organization skills for tracking communication, patient flow through studies, complex project details, and retaining records

  • A natural enthusiasm for finding solutions

  • Enthusiasm for learning new research concepts, techniques, leadership skills, and how to write successful grants

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Higher education and grant management experience

Work Location: Remote work eligible

Duration: 12 months

Compensation:

  • Anticipated hiring range: $60,000 – $70,000
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For best consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter and resume before July 20th, 2026. Specific questions about the position may be sent to College of Nursing Human Resources, conhr@utk.edu

About the College of Nursing

With a longstanding tradition of excellence in nursing education, research, and clinical practice, we are proud to be a guiding force in healthcare education. We embrace innovation while honoring the values that have shaped our success. By offering cutting-edge academic programs, supporting impactful research, and forging strong community partnerships, we prepare healthcare professionals who deliver high-quality, culturally responsive care in a diverse and ever-changing world. Join the Vol Nurse Family! Get to know CON


Post-Doctoral Research Training

  • Develop an independent program of research

  • Develop complex research projects

  • Grant writing

  • Write data-based publications

  • Write abstracts for submission to professional conferences

  • Give professional and lay presentations

  • Learn to mentor

Assistance with Project Direction (under the direction of the senior researcher)

  • Patient screening, recruitment and follow-up

  • Track all data entry to ensure minimal missing or incorrect data

  • Set-up data collection forms in REDCap

  • Perform data cleaning and summary of scales

  • Perform data analysis

  • Protocol set-up

  • Other duties as assigned