LOW-CARBON CELLULOSIC MATERIALS

100 Percent Research – Assistant/Associate Professor, 9-month tenure track

The Center for Renewable Carbon (CRC) and the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville invite applications for a 9-month tenure-track faculty position as an Assistant/Associate Professor in Low-Carbon Cellulosic Materials (100% Research). The individual must be committed to the Land Grant University mission and their expertise should complement the Center’s existing research programs. Current faculty in the Center have expertise in various fields, including Analytical Chemistry,  Biosystems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Material Science, Polymer Science and Wood/Biomass Science. The center’s program relies on a broad and multi-faceted view of research and recognizes its potential to provide a foundation for cross disciplinary research crucial to solving complex fundamental problems.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program that makes inter-disciplinary connections across CRC faculty and the broader University of Tennessee (especially College of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory research community by innovating in circular, low-carbon material systems. Applicants may be conducting advanced renewable fiber science work in a discipline not identified here. Specifically, the successful candidate will be responsible for generating new insight into fiber (wood and agricultural) structure and properties, composite interface behavior, fiber chemistry and novel modifications, and processing alternatives for innovative fiber composites that will expand availability of circular, low-carbon materials and chemicals. Additionally, the opportunity exists to expand activity in low-carbon materials development through the recently established Institute of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (IAMM). Similar potentials to build partnerships and collaborations exist through 1) the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) with its emphasis on advanced materials and manufacturing,  2) the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility and 3) engagement with current and future industrial collaborators.

Minimum/Required Qualifications:

Candidates with a Ph.D. (completed before the position start date) from a variety of academic disciplines, including pulp and paper science, wood science, material science, chemical engineering, and polymer science and engineering are encouraged to apply.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

Applications are encouraged from scholars working in the areas of cellulose fiber structure and properties, additive manufacturing, and composite materials; a strong publication record; success in grant writing; and a record of collaboration and cooperative research with state and federal natural resource agencies, non-government organizations, and industry.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin November 1 and will continue until position is filled. Salary and position level (Assistant or Associate Professor) will be commensurate with experience. To be considered for Associate Professor, candidates must demonstrate a track record of research scholarship that is worthy of the associate professor rank, as described in the faculty handbook.

To Apply: Upload 1) a cover letter; 2) a two-page statement of research plans and goals; 3) copies of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work; 4) a curriculum vitae detailing educational background, work experience, publications, and grants secured, and 5) names and full contact information of three professional references. Questions regarding the position can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Professor and Assistant Director Niki Labbé, nlabbe@utk.edu.

Candidates with a Ph.D. (completed before the position start date) from a variety of academic disciplines, including pulp and paper science, wood science, material science, chemical engineering, and polymer science and engineering are encouraged to apply.