Research Jobs in Knoxville, TN

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in soil health and agroecology. This position will focus on investigating the agronomic and ecological impacts of soil health-building practices within diverse ecosystems. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in both laboratory and field-based research, as well as strong data analysis and technical writing skills. Experience in organic cropping systems, microbial sequencing or meta-analysis is highly desirable. In addition to research responsibilities, the postdoc will be expected to mentor undergraduate and entry-level graduate 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.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage ongoing 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 laboratory management and organization
• Hold a valid driver's license and be able to travel to field sites across Tennessee as needed

BASIC 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, in particular organic systems
• Demonstrated laboratory skills for the analysis of soil carbon and other soil health indicators
• 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

Experience:

• One year of post-Ph.D. research experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Proficiency in microbial nucleic acid extractions, high-throughput sequencing, meta-analysis

LOCATION

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
• Onsite

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

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 10/15/2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Copies of Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts

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!