Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Biosystems Engineering

(Multiple Positions)

The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville is seeking 2 highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with expertise in soil health and agroecology. These positions focus on investigating the agronomic and ecological impacts of soil health-building practices within diverse agroecosystems. The successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in both laboratory and field-based research, as well as strong data analysis capabilities. Experience in modeling or meta-analysis is highly desirable. In addition to research responsibilities, the postdocs will be expected to mentor undergraduate students, support the operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments, and contribute to a collaborative and dynamic research group. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

• Manage on-going long-term agricultural field experiments and establish new experimental trials
• Design and execute hypothesis-driven research focused on soil health and microbial ecology
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including carbon and nitrogen analyzers and gas chromatographs.
• Publish peer-reviewed research articles as well as extension articles
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate (M.S. level) students in research projects and professional development
• Contribute to grant proposal preparations and outreach events, and assist with components of laboratory management and organization.
• Hold a valid driver's license and be able to travel to field sites across Tennessee as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
• By the time of hire, the successful candidate should hold a Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Soil Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field with a soil health-relevant major.
• Experience:
• Overseeing field experiments, including soil sampling and collection of agronomic and environmental data.
• Leading the preparation and publication of peer-reviewed research articles.
• Working in a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Deep understanding of grand challenges and innovative solutions related to soil health in field-crop and pasture systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization using relevant statistical and computational tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for both scientific and outreach audiences.
• Excellent work ethics, time management, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education
• Formal certification or training in data analysis and modeling.
• Experience:
• One year of post-Ph.D. research experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Expertise in carbon and nitrogen isotope biogeochemistry.
• Proficiency in microbial nucleic acid extractions and high-throughput sequencing.

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
• Onsite

Benefits:

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before 08/15/2025.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Copies of Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts
• List of 3 Professional References