Job Details

Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science: UTIA

Position Number: 6432497
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science

Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science: UTIA
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 4186
Job Category: Research
Posting Date: 07/24/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 2506 E J Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
(Multiple Positions)

The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville is seeking 2 highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with expertise in soil health and agroecology. These positions focus on investigating the agronomic and ecological impacts of soil health-building practices within diverse agroecosystems. The successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in both laboratory and field-based research, as well as strong data analysis capabilities. Experience in modeling or meta-analysis is highly desirable. In addition to research responsibilities, the postdocs will be expected to mentor undergraduate students, support the operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments, and contribute to a collaborative and dynamic research group. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

Responsibilities

Manage on-going long-term agricultural field experiments and establish new experimental trials
Design and execute hypothesis-driven research focused on soil health and microbial ecology
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including carbon and nitrogen analyzers and gas chromatographs.
Publish peer-reviewed research articles as well as extension articles
Mentor undergraduate and graduate (M.S. level) students in research projects and professional development
Contribute to grant proposal preparations and outreach events, and assist with components of laboratory management and organization.
Hold a valid driver's license and be able to travel to field sites across Tennessee as needed.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education:
- By the time of hire, the successful candidate should hold a Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Soil Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field with a soil health-relevant major.
Experience:
- Overseeing field experiments, including soil sampling and collection of agronomic and environmental data.
- Leading the preparation and publication of peer-reviewed research articles.
- Working in a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Deep understanding of grand challenges and innovative solutions related to soil health in field-crop and pasture systems.
- Proficiency in data analysis and visualization using relevant statistical and computational tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for both scientific and outreach audiences.
- Excellent work ethics, time management, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Education
- Formal certification or training in data analysis and modeling.
Experience:
- One year of post-Ph.D. research experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Expertise in carbon and nitrogen isotope biogeochemistry.
- Proficiency in microbial nucleic acid extractions and high-throughput sequencing.

Work Location:

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Onsite

Benefits:

Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before 08/15/2025.

Resume
Cover Letter
Copies of Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts
List of 3 Professional References

About Us
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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

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!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/4186/?mode=location