Post-Doctoral Research Associate, NSF Engine Funded Project, Center for Renewable Carbon: UTIA

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

Full-time

Knoxville, TN, USA

USD 60k-60k / year

Posted on Sep 16, 2026
Apply now

Your research responsibilities will include experiment design, data analysis, report, publication, and other related work. You are expected to work with the whole project team.

The duration of the initial appointment is 12 months with a possible renewal based on performance, funding, programmatic need, and institutional approval. Anticipated start date is January 1, 2027.

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 Center for Renewable Carbon (CRC) at the University of Tennessee invites applications for a 12-month Post-Doctoral Research position (100% Research) to assist in an NSF Engine’s funded project, with an emphasis on the Lignin Foam Products. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

Required Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D. in chemistry, polymer science, wood science, composite, or a closely related field completed before the position start date.

  • Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Expertise and experience in the resin synthesis, industrial application, lignin processing and applications, reinforcing material, and building materials and technologies

  • Strong publication record

  • Good teamwork

Work Location:

  • Location: Knoxville, TN

  • This is an onsite position working in the labs on the campus of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Anticipated hiring range: $60,000 per year plus benefits.
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the attachments noted below. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before September 30th.

  • Cover Letter
  • Copies of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
  • Curriculum vitae detailing educational background, work experience, publications, and skills
  • Questions regarding the position can be directed to Prof. Siqun Wang, swang@utk.edu.

About The College/Department/Division:

The Center for Renewable Carbon at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is a globally recognized leader in developing new and improved bioenergy sources, biorefinery processes, bioproducts, and biomaterials. The Center coordinates science, knowledge transfer, and workforce training to develop sustainable and economically viable circular bioeconomy systems.

The successful candidate will assist in:

  • An NSF Engine’s funded project, with an emphasis on the Lignin Foam Products.

  • Research responsibilities will include experiment design, data analysis, report, publication, and other related work.

Apply now
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