Job Description

This position is part of a cutting-edge project investigating the conversion of nitrogen in air to nitrogen fertilizer using plasma technologies, and the practical applications.

The successful candidate will contribute to multiple aspects of the project, including:

• Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of chemical reactions in plasma environments
• Development of catalysts tailored for plasma-assisted processes
• System integration and performance optimization
• Techno-economic analysis of the developed systems

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

The successful candidate is expected to conduct experiments outlined in the job description, to analyze data, and to write project reports and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.

The successful candidate will contribute to multiple aspects of the project, including:

• Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of chemical reactions in plasma environments
• Development of catalysts tailored for plasma-assisted processes
• System integration and performance optimization
• Techno-economic analysis of the developed systems

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
• Ph.D. in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience/Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
• Solid understanding of plasma physics and chemistry.
• Demonstrated experience in applied chemical catalysis.
• Hands-on experience with high-voltage plasma technologies.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Strong motivation, independence, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas will be strongly preferred:

• Electrical characterization of plasma discharges
• Plasma diagnostics via optical emission or Raman spectroscopy
• Chemical product analysis (e.g., GC, UV-Vis, FTIR)
• Application of AI or machine learning techniques to reaction system optimization
• Techno-economic analysis

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

The position will be open until filled. We are accepting applications from now until December 1, 2026. Interested applicants should submit the following documents as a single PDF file, named using your last name and date, in the following order:

1. Cover Letter detailing your research achievements and interests
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Names and contact information for at least three professional references

For inquiry about the position, please contact:

Prof. X. Philip Ye

Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996

Email: xye2@utk.edu

Phone: (865) 974-7129

About The College/Department/Division:

Please visit the department website: https://bess.tennessee.edu/

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!