Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Nuclear Engineering - UTK bei UT Health Science Center BU
UT Health Science Center BU · Knoxville, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Onsite
- Optionales Büro in Knoxville
Post-Doctoral Research Associate – Lanthanide and Actinide Membrane Separations
This position involves experimental research in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced membrane materials for the selective separation of lanthanide and actinide ions. The researcher will lead efforts in the development of chemically robust membrane systems, including polyelectrolyte multilayers and chelator-assisted platforms, and evaluate their separation performance under relevant environmental and radiological conditions.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include synthesizing monomers and membranes, performing polymerization or assembly, and conducting advanced materials characterization using techniques such as zeta potential analysis, SEM, ellipsometry, ICP, and spectroscopy. The postdoctoral researcher will assess membrane selectivity, permeability, and stability for f-element separations and support mechanistic investigations to understand ion–membrane interactions. The candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team across the University of Tennessee. Additional responsibilities include technical interactions with graduate students, preparing reports and peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals, and contributing to the development of future proposals and collaborative research efforts.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Radiochemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
- The successful applicant will hold a Ph.D. with demonstrated expertise in membrane science and engineering, particularly in the design, synthesis, and characterization of membranes.
- Experience with membrane-based ion separations, membrane synthesis, and advanced materials characterization techniques (e.g., zeta potential, SEM, TEM) is required.
- A strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant journals is expected.
Preferred qualifications
- Familiarity with separation science involving rare earth and/or actinide elements, demonstrated innovation in membrane materials for harsh environments, and experience working in multidisciplinary laboratory settings.
- Proficiency in scientific communication, teamwork, and data analysis is essential.
Work Location:
- Location: Knoxville, TN
- Onsite
Compensation and Benefits:
- UT market range:
- Anticipated hiring range: $72,000 - $78,000
- Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
- Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and names and email addresses of three references. For questions or inquiries please contact Prof. Ilja Popovs, email: [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Company
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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.
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!
