Research Assistant Professor Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Description
The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) is inviting applications for a non-tenure track research faculty position in biodegradation of bio-derived materials. We are looking for an innovative and collaborative scholar who is dedicated to advancing research in understanding and improving the end-of-service-life and sustainability of bio-derived materials as part of a circular bioeconomy. Areas of research may encompass elucidating microbial mechanisms that drive biodegradation of biomass-derived materials, using such mechanisms to inform the design of improved bio-derived materials, and engineering microbiomes to optimize end-of-life material processing and circular resource recovery.
This position will be part of the UT-ORII's Circular Bioeconomy Systems (CBS) Convergent Research Initiative (CRI), dedicating to developing transformative strategies for managing, valorizing, and extending the lifespan of each biomass-derived carbon atom. The CBS CRI addresses major challenges such as advancing responsible resource management, promoting clean energy technologies, developing novel biomass preprocessing systems, and designing sustainable products with carbon-efficient end-of-service-life. Approximately 20 member investigators from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) will be involved in this initiative. This faculty position will be affiliated with UT-ORII at UTK.
The CBS research faculty will engage in collaborative laboratory experiments and reporting, proposal preparation and submission, support for ongoing research projects, and mentorship of both graduate and undergraduate students. The hire will receive mentoring and essential infrastructure from four anchor investigators involved in the initiative. Applicants will be considered at all faculty ranks.
Qualifications
Required:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Research experience in areas that support UT-ORII's Circular Bioeconomy Systems mission, including, but not limited to:

• • Biodegradation pathways and microbial metabolism of biobased products
  • Co-design of materials and biodegradation pathways for performance and sustainability
  • Microbiome engineering strategies to improve the end-of-life outcome for bio-derived materials
  • Systems biology and multi-omics approaches to study degradation of bio-derived materials
• An excellent track record in publications.
• A clear path to independence as a researcher is desired, though an 'on-ramp' through collaboration with more senior investigators is also encouraged.
• Strong writing and communication skills, along with a demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team and highly dynamic scientific environment.
• This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access badge to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Preferred:

• Experience in mentoring students and junior researchers.
• Experience in grant writing/funding.
• Experience in more than one discipline or interest in collaboration across relevant disciplines.

Additional Information

• This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position.
• The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• The primary work location for this position is on the UTIA campus in Knoxville.
• Visits to collaborator sites on the campuses of ORNL and UTK may be required as needed.
• The position will be implemented as an initial three-year appointment with full salary support for the first year, followed by a gradual decrease in salary coverage such that the successful applicant will receive 50% salary support in year 5 (if renewed) and is expected to receive extramural funding by year 3 or earlier.
• The applicant will be expected to recruit and support multiple graduate students by year three.
• A competitive startup package including funds for graduate students and equipment will be offered.
• Salary and title/rank will be determined commensurate with experience. The following ranks or titles may be assigned to research faculty: research assistant professor, research associate professor, and research professor. Faculty appointed to this title series should have completed a doctoral degree or terminal degree appropriate to the field.
  • Research assistant professor: Individuals holding this rank have shown promise for excellence in areas of responsibility assigned to them.
  • Research associate professor: Individuals holding this rank have demonstrated excellence in areas of responsibility assigned to them.
  • Research professor: Individuals holding this rank have demonstrated and maintained a consistent record of excellence in areas of responsibility assigned to them.
• Benefits will be typical of exempt employees at the University of Tennessee.

Application Instructions
Application reviews will begin on or after April 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. All required application materials must be submitted to Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/183006. For further information or guidance on how to apply, please email Dr. Niki Labbe at nlabbe@utk.edu.
Required Application Materials:

• a cover letter
• a comprehensive curriculum vitae
• a statement outlining research interests and future plans (3 page maximum)
• a list of at least three professional references, including their complete contact information

More About UT-ORII
The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute was launched by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2021, in response to America's need for a stronger pool of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and increasingly life science talent.
UT-ORII is leveraging UT and ORNL's best capabilities and resources to accelerate collaborative discovery, innovation, and interdisciplinary graduate education; and to prepare the next generation of talent in areas of critical importance to the nation and the State of Tennessee. The institute's current research areas include Clean Manufacturing and Advanced Materials, Energy Storage and Transportation, Radiopharmaceutical Therapies, and Circular Bioeconomy Systems. To learn more about UT-ORII visit utorii.com.
More About UTIA
The UT Institute of Agriculture is at the core of the University of Tennessee's land-grant mission of teaching, research, and outreach. We fulfill that mission through the impactful work of outstanding faculty, staff, and students. Research has been and continues to be the engine that drives our expanding bioeconomy, generating scientific innovations and insights for the next generation of agriculture and natural resource management professionals. To learn more about UTIA visit https://utia.tennessee.edu.
More About ORNL
Leveraging the talents of its world-class researchers and exceptional support staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is helping solve critical scientific and technical challenges and, in so doing, creating economic opportunity for the nation.
ORNL provides access to unique facilities, laboratories, and equipment, drawing thousands of visiting researchers each year. To learn more about ORNL visit https://www.ornl.gov.