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Phd Graduate Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

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Veterinary Diagnostic Pharmacologist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

... curriculum, graduate program, and continuing education symposia. Teaching & Research Teaching ... relevant PhD. * Post‑graduate experience and/or a strong documented interest in analytical ...

SOUTH COLLEGE

CBE Ministry Adjunct

Knoxville, TN · On-site

... mentoring graduate and doctoral students, that believes in proactive and responsive outreach to ... PhD/ThD, DMin, or DMiss from an accepted accredited school. * Prior CBE experience preferred.

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Phd Graduate information

What is a PhD graduate?

PhD graduates are individuals who have completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, which is the highest academic degree awarded by universities in most fields. They have demonstrated advanced knowledge and original research in their area of study, often culminating in a dissertation or thesis. PhD graduates are qualified for careers in academia, research, industry, and leadership roles that require critical thinking and specialized expertise.

What types of career paths are available to recent PhD graduates outside academia?

Recent PhD graduates have a wide range of career options beyond traditional academic roles. Common paths include research and development positions in industry, data science, consulting, policy analysis, and roles in government or non-profit organizations. Many companies value the analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills developed during doctoral studies. Networking, internships, and leveraging transferable skills are key strategies for transitioning into these sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Graduate, you need advanced research skills, subject-matter expertise, and a doctoral degree in your field. Familiarity with data analysis software, academic publishing platforms, and citation management systems is typically required. Strong critical thinking, perseverance, and effective communication help distinguish successful graduates in academic or industry roles. These skills are essential for contributing original knowledge, solving complex problems, and collaborating effectively in research and professional environments.

What is the difference between Phd Graduate vs Research Scientist?

AspectPhd GraduateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD degree, specialized research experienceTypically PhD, with additional experience in specific research areas
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research labs, universitiesCorporate R&D labs, industry research teams
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, research institutesPrivate companies, biotech, tech firms, pharmaceuticals
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Phd Graduates and Research Scientists hold advanced research credentials, Phd Graduates often focus on academic or early-career research roles, whereas Research Scientists typically work in industry settings with more applied research responsibilities. The transition from Phd Graduate to Research Scientist involves gaining industry experience and applying research skills in commercial environments.

How much money do PhD graduates make?

PhD graduates often earn higher salaries than those with only a master's or bachelor's degree, with median annual wages typically ranging from $70,000 to over $100,000 depending on the field, industry, and experience. Careers in research, academia, or specialized industries like engineering or healthcare tend to offer higher compensation for PhD holders.

Is a PhD graduate worth it anymore?

A PhD graduate can have strong career prospects in academia, research, and specialized industries, but the value depends on the field and career goals. While a PhD can lead to higher-level positions and expertise, it often requires significant time and financial investment, and job market competitiveness varies by discipline. Skills such as research, data analysis, and critical thinking are essential for success in roles requiring a PhD.

What jobs can I get after a Phd Graduate?

A PhD graduate can pursue careers in academia as a university professor or researcher, or work in industry as a data scientist, research scientist, or specialized engineer. They often find roles in government agencies, think tanks, or as consultants, leveraging their advanced research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

What jobs do PhD graduates get?

PhD graduates often pursue careers in academia as university professors or researchers, but they also find roles in industry such as data scientists, research scientists, policy analysts, and consultants. Many leverage their specialized knowledge, research skills, and advanced analytical tools to work in government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations.

What job categories do people searching Phd Graduate jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Graduate jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Phd Graduate jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Phd Graduate job openings:

Phd Graduate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Graduate job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Analysis of Plasma Facing Component Performance - UTK

The University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$72K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

The Department of Nuclear Engineering is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work on the Analysis of Plasma Facing Component Performance. This position involves computational research to evaluate the response to high heat flux environments associated with the design of plasma facing components involving tungsten-based materials for the magnetic fusion energy environment. 

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! 

Required Qualifications:

  • Position requires a Ph.D. degree in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or an equivalent field. 

  • The successful applicant will be a PhD graduate, with demonstrated experience with continuum scale material modeling techniques. 

  • The candidate must have a good publication record of peer-reviewed, archival journal publications that documents the ability to contribute to, perform, and interpret cluster dynamics simulations. 

  • Computer proficiency in programming, word processing, and presentation graphics is required.

  • Applications for soon to be graduates will be accepted.

Work Location

  • Location: Knoxville, TN

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • Anticipated hiring range: $72,000 - $75,000
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following:

  • A letter of application

  • Curriculum vitae

For questions or inquiries please contact Prof. Brian Wirth, email: bdwirth@utk.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The researcher will have experience with computational modeling analysis and the use of inverse analysis to determine spatial and temporal dependent temperature distributions within the high heat flux components based on experimental data including infrared spectroscopy. The post-doc will work within a diverse and energetic team in the development of these capabilities and interface with research scientists at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of model benchmarking and experimental validation. Additional duties include technical interactions with graduate students, contributing to and developing new research initiatives, and writing technical reports and peer reviewed scientific journal articles. 

Apply