Current methods for creating liquid-repellent surfaces heavily depend on fluorine chemistry (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which has caused significant harm to ecosystems and human health. However, nature does not need fluorinated chemicals to repel liquids, e.g., lotus leaves, insects, and animals). The selected applicant will join Dr. Mi Li’s group to exploit the surface chemistry and material structure using plant-based chemicals and materials to engineer low surface energy materials. The successful candidate will develop fundamental understanding and practical routes for this project.

The duration of the initial appointment is 12 months with a possible 1-year 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Must be an accredited PhD graduate in wood science, chemical engineering, pulp and paper engineering, polymer chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Experience:
  • Evidence of research productivity and the ability to formulate hypotheses, design rigorous experiments, interpret results, and communicate findings clearly.
  • Hands-on experience in at least one area relevant to the position, such as biomass chemistry, nanomaterials, surface and interface characterization or porous and particulate materials.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience:
  • Cellulose and lignin chemistry and chemical modification, multiscale structure design, and materials performance
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Familiarity with advanced characterization methods, such as NMR, FTIR, GC/MS, GPC, CNHS, TGA, DSC, SEM, and goniometer.

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: $52,000 - $55,000 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
• Curriculum Vitae
• A concise research statement (one to two pages) describing proposed directions relevant to this project.

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 candidates will:

• Design and conduct independent and collaborative research in biomaterials, biomass chemistry, biopolymer chemistry, and related areas.

• Plan and perform experiments; establish reproducible protocols; maintain complete research records; and analyze and interpret data critically.

• Synthesize and characterize low-surface energy chemicals using plant-based precursors

• Design and assess materials with desired micro-/nano-structures

• Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, technical reports, and contributions to research proposals.

• Participate actively in laboratory and project meetings and contribute to an open, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research culture.