Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Materials Science and Engineering - UTK

The research group of Prof. Weinan Xu in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to externally funded research in thermal interface materials and thermal management of batteries and electronics. This is a twelve-month appointment, renewable annually for up to two years based on performance and funds availability.

The successful candidate will lead and contribute to research projects at the intersection of polymer nanocomposites, biopolymers, 2D materials, thermal transport, and device thermal management. The candidate will work closely with collaborators in industry or other research groups. The position offers opportunities in shaping research directions, publishing in high-impact journals, mentoring graduate/undergraduate students, and attending professional conferences. The compensation package includes a competitive salary, health benefits, career mentoring, and travel support.

The successful candidate will lead efforts in the design, synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced thermal interface materials for energy and electronics applications. Responsibilities will include the preparation of nanomaterials and polymer nanocomposites, materials processing (e.g., mixing, controlled assembly, internal structural control) and characterization (thermal, mechanical, morphological, and electrical). The candidate will also work closely with collaborators on device-level testing and evaluation to assess the performance of thermal interface materials. This position provides opportunities to access advanced characterization and synthesis capabilities at national user facilities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, or related degree program
• 3 years (including degree program) experience in design and fabrication of functional polymer composites, especially for thermal management, energy, and electronics applications.
• Experience with thermal properties characterization of materials and devices by various methods, including thermal conductivity measurement, DSC, TGA, etc.
• Knowledge of thermal management technologies in energy storage devices and electronics
• Strong communication, writing, and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced experience in synthesis and chemical modification of polymers, 2D nanomaterials, and nanocomposites.

• Experience with establishing processing-structure-property relationships of polymer composites for functional applications

• Familiar with thermal management in battery packs and related computational thermal modeling.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite
• The expected start date is September 1st, 2026.

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $75,024.
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should apply online with the following materials:

• Cover letter and
• Curriculum vitae, and also send these materials

Inquires may be sent to Prof Xu at wxu@utk.edu

About The Department

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is a nationally recognized program dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation in materials science and engineering. The department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs and conducts cutting-edge research spanning advanced manufacturing, polymers and composites, biomaterials, electronic and functional materials, energy materials, structural materials, and materials characterization. MSE faculty maintain strong collaborations with industry, national laboratories, and academic institutions, particularly through UTK’s close partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), one of the nation’s premier research laboratories. Supported by state-of-the-art research facilities and a highly collaborative environment, the department is committed to developing the next generation of materials engineers and scientists while addressing critical technological challenges in energy, health, manufacturing, defense, and sustainability.