Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology - UTK

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

Knoxville, TN, USA

Posted on Jul 22, 2026
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The Joshi lab (www.joshilaboratory.com) is looking for highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to study biogenesis of membrane-bound organelles such as lipid droplets and peroxisomes. Our lab is interested in understanding molecular mechanisms of organelle biogenesis from ER membrane using budding yeast and mammalian cell culture. Formation of organelles such as peroxisomes and lipid droplets occur at specialized regions in the ER called ER subdomains. This project will involve characterizing the ER subdomains to identify their protein and lipid composition as well as study membrane curvature induced by ER shaping proteins such as Pex30 (yeasts) and MCTPs (mammals) using Cryo-EM. For our research we use yeast and mammalian cell culture systems, confocal and super-resolution microscopy, live-cell imaging, advanced image acquisition and quantitation methods as well as several biochemical and molecular biology techniques.

The Joshi lab is in the BCMB department (bcmb.utk.edu) at the University of Tennessee in the city of Knoxville. This a grant-funded position and 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 Joshi lab (www.joshilaboratory.com) is looking for highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to study biogenesis of membrane-bound organelles such as lipid droplets and peroxisomes. Our lab is interested in understanding molecular mechanisms of organelle biogenesis from ER membrane using budding yeast and mammalian cell culture.

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.

  • A record of peer-reviewed publications.

  • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

  • Excellent working knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology techniques.
  • Experience in super-resolution microscopy, electron microscopy, identifying protein-protein interaction networks, or protein purification is a plus.

Work Location

  • Location: Ken and Blaire Mossman Building

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • Anticipated hiring range: $55,000-$60,000

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For full consideration, interested individuals should provide:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required minimum qualification

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

About The Department

The University of Tennessee Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) is home to over 400 undergraduate majors. Housed in the Ken and Blaire Mossman (1311 Cumberland Ave.) and Hesler Biology and Greenhouse (1406 Circle Dr.) Buildings, our research teams of faculty, undergrads, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows are working on topics ranging from molecular structure to organismal levels.

The candidate is expected to design and carry out independent research, write fellowship applications (if applicable), present research at local, national, and international meetings and publish papers. The candidate must be self-motivated, have a strong aptitude for research, and the ability to quickly learn new areas of research and carry out experiments in a new system. The candidate’s primary responsibility will be to conduct research. The candidate will have the opportunity to mentor junior lab members, including undergraduate and graduate students. Good organization, time management, computer skills and the ability to work on multiple projects independently as well as collaboratively is necessary.

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