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National Lab Postdoc Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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National Lab Postdoc information

What is a National Lab postdoc?

A National Lab Postdoc is a researcher who has recently completed their Ph.D. and is undertaking postdoctoral research at a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory or similar federally funded research facility. These positions are typically temporary and provide early-career scientists with opportunities to deepen their expertise, work on cutting-edge projects, and collaborate with leading experts in the field. National Lab Postdocs often work on interdisciplinary teams and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, making these roles highly sought after for those pursuing careers in research or academia.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Lab postdoc?

To thrive as a National Lab Postdoc, you need a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering field, a strong research background, and expertise in experimental or computational methods. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and scientific publishing platforms is typically required. Critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication are essential soft skills for advancing research projects and sharing results. These skills and qualifications are vital for driving innovation, meeting research goals, and contributing to high-impact scientific discoveries in a collaborative environment.

What are some common challenges faced by National Lab postdocs, and how can they be addressed?

National Lab Postdocs often encounter challenges such as balancing independent research with collaborative projects, adapting to the unique mission-driven environment of national laboratories, and managing time between research, publishing, and networking. To address these, it's helpful to set clear project goals with mentors, actively seek interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, and participate in lab-wide seminars or workshops. Many labs also offer mentorship programs and professional development resources to support postdocs in overcoming these challenges and advancing their careers.

What is the difference between National Lab Postdoc vs Research Scientist?

AspectNational Lab PostdocResearch Scientist
Required credentialsPhD in relevant fieldPhD or equivalent experience
Work environmentResearch-focused, academic setting within national labsResearch and development in industry or academia
Employer and industry usagePrimarily government-funded national labsPrivate companies, universities, or government agencies
Common search intentPostdoctoral research opportunities at national labsResearch roles in industry or academia

National Lab Postdocs are typically early-career researchers with a PhD working in government-funded labs, focusing on fundamental research. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but work in industry or academia, with more independence and potential for career advancement. Both roles involve research but differ mainly in employer and work environment.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for National Lab Postdoc jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most National Lab Postdoc job openings:

National Lab Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Lab Postdoc job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Radiopharmaceutical Therapies - UTK

Knoxville, TN • On-site

The University of Tennessee
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about The University of Tennesseeexternal

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description


The Department of Nuclear Engineering seeks a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work in Radiopharmaceutical Therapies. This position involves performing research to develop radiopharmaceuticals labeled with beta- and alpha-emitting isotopes for cancer treatment. The researcher will work with a team of undergraduate researchers, graduate students, postdocs, and technical staff to carry out experiments in synthesizing precursor compounds for radiolabeling with medically relevant isotopes for diagnostic imaging and treatment of cancer. The radiolabeled agents will then be tested in in vitro assays and in mouse models of disease. The person in this postdoctoral researcher position will be performing experiments and interacting with collaborative teams at both UT Knoxville and ORNL.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the position are as follows:
  • Design all studies in conjunction with reading the literature and discussions with PIs, fellow lab members, and collaborators
  • Perform research into developing novel radiopharmaceuticals. This includes synthesis of precursor materials for radiolabeling, radiolabeling of precursors with beta (positron or beta minus) or alpha emitting isotopes, characterizing the radiolabeled agents by a variety of means such as for purity, stability, hydrophobicity, and/or binding affinity to molecular targeted proteins on diseased cell types, and being involved in testing of novel agents in rodent models of disease.
  • Analysis of all data, whether it be chemical and biological characterization, small animal image analysis, biodistribution, etc.
  • Writing experimental protocols, manuscripts, and sections of grant proposals, as well as any progress reports for grant funding reporting
  • Mentoring students and other lab members by training them to use instrumentation and work with chemicals and radioactive materials safely, and providing guidance in analysis and interpretation of data

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Education: PhD in biological, chemical, or engineering program
  • Experience:
    • Recent PhD to up to 3 years past PhD
    • Must have at least 3 years' experience working in a lab that does chemistry or biochemistry in their research
    • The researcher will have experience in working with radioactive materials, specifically isotopes for medical imaging and cancer treatment
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
    • Must have ability to work safely performing chemistry or biochemistry experiments
    • Knowledge and hands-on experience with basic laboratory instruments for chemical and biological characterization (e.g. HPLC, NMR, etc)
    • Good communication, both written and oral, is essential

Preferred Qualifications
  • Education: PhD in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, radiochemistry, nuclear engineering, biomedical engineering, or biochemistry
  • Experience:
    • Radiolabeling chemistry experience
    • Experience working with cancer cells grown in culture
    • Mouse handling
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
    • Knowledge and experience in radiopharmaceutical sciences
    • Ability to use radiochemistry equipment that includes radio-HPLC, dose calibrator, gamma counter
    • Flow cytometry experience would be a plus

Work Location
  • Location: UT-Knoxville and ORNL
  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits
  • Anticipated hiring range: $75,000-$80,000
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • List of 3 Professional References

About The Department
UT's Department of Nuclear Engineering was established in 1957 and is one of the most prestigious in the US, being consistently ranked as one of the top in the nation by US News and World Report. There are close ties with Oak Ridge National Lab and various companies in the Knoxville area.
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!

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