Postdoc Research Associate Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

The Baccile Laboratory at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary chemical biology research program focused on five-carbon metabolism and the chemistry of isoprenoid biosynthesis. Research in the lab integrates synthetic organic chemistry, enzymology, and mass-spectrometry-based metabolomics to develop chemical probes and analytical tools for studying isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), and related prenylated metabolites across biological systems including bacteria and mammalian cells.
The successful candidate will contribute to projects involving the design and synthesis of small-molecule probes, development of enzyme-coupled assays, and application of LC-HRMS workflows to interrogate metabolic pathways. Candidates with a Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or a related field are encouraged to apply. Experience in synthetic organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, metabolomics, or enzymology is desirable, and the position is particularly well suited for applicants interested in developing interdisciplinary expertise at the interface of chemistry and biology.
Responsibilities

• The ideal postdoctoral research associate candidate will work on assigned research projects as well as mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• The postdoctoral research associate candidate must be knowledgeable and experienced in chemical biology, analytical chemistry and/or molecular and cell biology.
• Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in peer reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Education:

• Must have successfully defended and submitted dissertation by hire date, Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or a related field are encouraged to apply.

Experience:

• Experience in synthetic organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, metabolomics, or enzymology is desirable, and the position is particularly well suited for applicants interested in developing interdisciplinary expertise at the interface of chemistry and biology.
• An excellent track record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Strong verbal and writing skills. The candidate must be willing to work independently and collaboratively with group members, and preferably also with experimental collaborators. The candidate must also be willing to mentor the graduate students in the group from time to time.
• Motivated and safety conscious.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to set priorities, multi-task and adapt to ever changing needs with the proven ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience:

• Experience in synthetic organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, metabolomics, or enzymology is desirable, and the position is particularly well suited for applicants interested in developing interdisciplinary expertise at the interface of chemistry and biology.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN, on site

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $54,000
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and other qualifications. This is a regular, full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track staff position. The appointment begins in Summer 2026 and will continue for 12 months.
For full consideration, please provide the following in the application file:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcript

A review of all applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
About The Department
The University of Tennessee in Knoxville is the flagship educational institution in the State of Tennessee, and the Department of Chemistry is its oldest PhD granting Department. We offer a long-standing tradition of excellence in chemical research and education, stretching from 1947, when the department granted the University's first PhD degree, to the present. We have people from diverse cultures providing an international business environment.
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!