Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Chemistry - UTK

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.

• 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.

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

Application Instructions

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.

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.