Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering - UTK

Civil and Environmental Engineering invites applications for one full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to collaborate with our team in environmental and analytical chemistry to study fate and transport of emerging pollutants in the environment.

The position is available to start as soon as filled. The Postdoctoral researcher will report to Dr. Fuhar Dixit. The compensation package includes a competitive salary, health benefits, career mentoring, and required travel.

• Conduct Research, perform various tasks associated with contracted research as well as new research initiatives, and disseminate the results via publications.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in preparing presentations, reports, interacting with sponsors in person or via emails, and prepare proposals.
• Ensure safe laboratory and work space environment, host tours, mentor students, upkeep equipment, assist in training new users as needed, and keep up with documentation of laboratory activities and related data as records.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related field
• Background in polymer chemistry
• Experience with the ability to manage and mentor undergraduates, Masters, or starting doctoral students.
• Strong written and oral communication, management, and team leadership
• Effective interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with a diverse group of scientific and technical personnel.
• KEY SUCCESS FACTORS:
  • Ability to work with internal and external collaborators to contribute and facilitate progress in research projects.
  • Ability to coordinate with personnel from various technical backgrounds.
  • Ability to deliver project presentations and devote time and energy under deadlines to prepare presentations to sponsors in written and oral format.
  • Lead as Author/Co-author to actively publish technical publications, targeting peer-reviewed journals.
  • ability to manage and mentor graduates student(s) in research
  • strong written and oral communication skills
  • knowledge in environmental contaminants and analytical chemistry
  • effective interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment with a diverse group of individuals

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with polymer synthesis would be preferred.
• Communication skills, in person or over ZOOM/TEAMS, with sponsors and students are key to success
• Strong background in preparing/delivering impromptu project presentations
• Demonstrated experience in publishing journal papers

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $75,024

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

For full consideration, a completed application should be submitted by August 14th, 2026.