Job description

A postdoctoral research associate position is open in the research group of Prof. Brian Long at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s (UTK) Department of Chemistry. The researcher will take a leading role in an industrially funded project that aims to synthesize and evaluate a series of olefin polymerization catalysts for the production of functionalized polyolefins. All candidates must have successfully defended and submitted their dissertation before their employment date. For more information about the Long Research Group, please visit our website at https://www.blonglab.com/. The search starts immediately and continues until the position is filled.

Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in an industrially funded project that aims to synthesize and evaluate a series of olefin polymerization catalysts for the production of functionalized polyolefins.
• Serve as a mentor to graduate and undergraduate researchers in the Long Research Group.
• Present the project progress and research results to the industrial sponsor on a monthly basis.
• Maintain and practice confidentiality regarding the details of the industry sponsored research project.
• Document the research results, characterization, conclusions and recommendations via technical reports in a timely manner to the industrial sponsor.
• Present and report research results to the research group and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong commitment to ethical work practices.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Education: Must have successfully defended and submitted dissertation by the hire date, earning a Ph.D. in chemistry or a closely-related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be knowledgeable and experienced in polymer and organic synthesis, polymer science, and polymer characterization.
• Must have an excellent track record of productive and creative research, as demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be willing to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Must be self-motivated, ambitious, inquisitive, and work safely. Initiative and proposing your own ideas to make progress in the project are a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with a background in organometallic synthesis and catalyst development are strongly preferred.
• Preferred experience in screening and testing protocols of olefin polymerization catalysts.
• Exhibit the ability to set priorities, multi-task and adapt to ever changing needs with the proven ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN, on site

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated Salary: $61,000
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The Department

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is the flagship educational institution in the State of Tennessee, and the Department of Chemistry is its oldest PhD granting Department. We offer a long-standing tradition of excellence in chemical research and education, dating from 1947, when the department granted UTK’s first-ever PhD degree, to the present. UTK encompasses people from diverse cultures and is positioned in close proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex, providing both a multicultural and interdisciplinary research environment. The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a vibrant music scene, active neighborhoods, diverse restaurants, and a robust offering of outdoor and cultural activities. UTK is also centrally located within easy driving distance of popular destinations, such as Asheville, Nashville, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

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 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!

Job Info

• Job Identification 5586
• Job Category Research
• Posting Date 10/24/2025, 11:23 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 1416 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or disability in its education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)of 1990. Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the UTK Office of Human Resources, 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN37996-4125.

How to apply

Please complete the on-line application (https://hr.utk.edu/staff-positions) for full consideration. For priority consideration, provide the following in the application file before November 20, 2025:

• Cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae
• List of at least three references (with current e-mail address and phone number/s). One reference must be your current supervisor.

Review of all applications will begin immediately.