Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

The Monteith Lab in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate how metabolic and environmental signals shape myeloid-cell development, immune function, and host-pathogen interactions.
The successful candidate will develop and lead a mechanistically focused research project using multidisciplinary approaches that may include primary murine and human cells, molecular and cellular biology, metabolic analysis, flow cytometry, microscopy, and in vivo infection models. The position will advance the laboratory's research program at the intersection of immunology, metabolism, and bacterial pathogenesis while providing mentored training toward scientific independence.
Responsibilities
Develop and lead a focused research project investigating myeloid-cell biology and host defense during infection.

• Design, conduct, analyze, and troubleshoot rigorous and reproducible experiments.
• Employ primary murine and human cell systems, molecular and cellular assays, metabolic analyses, flow cytometry, microscopy, and in vivo models as appropriate to the project.
• Maintain organized experimental records and perform appropriate statistical and quantitative analyses.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present findings at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences.
• Contribute to fellowship, grant, and research-proposal preparation.
• Collaborate with investigators and research groups within and outside UTK.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and contribute to a supportive and collaborative laboratory environment.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Education: PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, physiology, or a related discipline by the position start date.
• Experience:
  
  • Research experience obtained through doctoral training in molecular or cellular biology, immunology, microbiology, metabolism, hematology, or a related area;
  • Experience independently planning, performing, analyzing, and troubleshooting experiments;
  • Evidence of research productivity through peer-reviewed publications, submitted manuscripts, or completed doctoral research.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  
  • Strong understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and scientific rigor;
  • Excellent written and oral scientific communication skills;
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively;
  • Strong organizational and time management skills;
  • Willingness to work with murine models, primary human specimens, and BSL-2 bacterial pathogens;
  • Commitment to maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and productive research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience:
  
  • Experience studying neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, hematopoietic progenitors, or other myeloid populations;
  • Experience with murine models and primary human or murine cells;
  • Record of first-author publication or substantial ownership of a collaborative research project;
  • Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate researchers;
  • Experience contributing to manuscripts, fellowships, or grant applications.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following: multicolor flow cytometry, primary cell culture, metabolic-flux analysis, confocal microscopy, molecular biology, immunoblotting, functional immune assays, murine models, or omics-based approaches;
  • Familiarity with quantitative data analysis, bioinformatics, or statistical programming;
  • Ability to integrate concepts from metabolism, immunology, and microbial pathogenesis;
  • Interest in developing an independent research direction and pursuing external funding.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: Salary will follow the NIH NRSA postdoctoral scale in effect at the time of appointment and will be based on the candidate's full years of relevant postdoctoral experience. Under the FY2026 scale, annual compensation ranges from $63,480 for a new postdoctoral researcher to $77,076 for candidates with seven or more years of relevant experience.
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application via DASH with the noted below attachments:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter describing relevant research experience, scientific interests, career goals, and interest in the Monteith Lab

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. References will be requested from selected candidates following final interviews.
To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before September 4, 2027.
About The Department
The Department of Microbiology is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The department supports a collaborative research and training community spanning immunology, microbial pathogenesis, virology, microbial genetics, and microbial ecology.
The Monteith Lab investigates how metabolic and environmental signals shape myeloid-cell function and bacterial physiology during infection. The laboratory is located in the Ken and Blaire Mossman Building and provides access to modern flow cytometry, microscopy, metabolic-analysis, animal-model, and shared research resources. As Tennessee's flagship research university, UT Knoxville offers extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across campus and with regional biomedical research partners.
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!