Job Description

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate whose appointment will be divided between serving as the Department’s X-ray Scientist and conducting synthetic chemistry research in Dr. David Jenkins’s group (X-ray/ICP center director). The X-ray Scientist responsibilities will include operation and maintenance of the department’s single-crystal X-ray diffractometer, structural analysis and service crystallography, and training and supporting departmental users. The research component will involve independent and collaborative research in organic, inorganic, or organometallic synthesis, with projects spanning areas such as homogeneous catalysis, porous frameworks, and surface modification. The position is open to candidates who have completed and submitted their PhD dissertation before the start of employment.

Approximately 50% of job as the department’s X-ray scientist includes:

• Operating and maintaining a Bruker single crystal X-ray diffractometer.
• Training members of the department on the use of the Bruker single crystal diffractometer.
• Mounting crystals, collecting data, and solving crystal structures for members of the department (i.e., service structures for PIs).
• Repairing the instrument (when feasible). Working with technicians to ascertain what repairs are required.
• Maintaining the X-ray facility in the Department of Chemistry, including safety protocols, logbooks, and user lists (for compliance with Radiation Safety).
• Billing PIs and maintaining the X-ray cost center. Communicating with relevant accounting personnel about surplus or deficits.

Approximately 50% of job as chemist in Dr Jenkins group includes:

• Expertise in organic, organometallic, or inorganic synthesis is required.
• Ability to contribute to one or more current research projects within the Jenkins group.
• Analytical skills that match synthetic areas of expertise (e.g. NMR, MS, PXRD or similar).

Required Qualifications

• Education: By first day of appointment, earned a PhD in Chemistry or closely related field
• Experience:
• Strong knowledge of small molecule single crystal X-ray diffractometry
• Expertise in organic, organometallic, or inorganic synthesis is required.
• An excellent track record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals.
• The postdoctoral candidate must have strong verbal and writing skills. The candidate must be willing to work independently and collaboratively with group members, and preferably also with experimental collaborators. The candidate must also be willing to mentor the graduate students in the group from time to time.
• Motivated and safety conscious.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Ability to set priorities, multi-task and adapt to ever changing needs with the proven ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Knowledge of powder X-ray diffraction techniques is advantageous. Proficiency with air-free synthesis is highly valuable.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $50,000
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

Since the position primarily entails a strong requisite knowledge of small molecule single crystal X-ray diffractometry, candidates should submit:

• CV
• Cover letter
• A list of published crystal structures that have been solved and their references. Knowledge of powder X-ray diffraction techniques or ICP is highly advantageous but not required. Applicants who have a background only in powder X-ray diffraction or ICP will not be considered.

The position is a contract for one year and is renewable (based on performance) for at least one additional year. The position begins on December 1, 2026 or on a mutually agreeable later date.

Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Jenkins at djenki15@utk.edu. For full consideration, candidates must submit the requested documents via the UTK HR website.

Please be prepared to have 2-3 letters of recommendation submitted upon request. Formal review of applications begins on November 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

About The Department

The University of Tennessee in Knoxville is the flagship educational institution in the State of Tennessee, and the Department of Chemistry is its oldest PhD granting Department. We offer a long-standing tradition of excellence in chemical research and education, stretching from 1947, when the department granted the University’s first PhD degree, to the present. We have people from diverse cultures providing an international business environment.

The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a diverse music scene, active neighborhoods, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of outdoor and cultural activities. UTK is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains; and a day’s drive to Memphis, Chicago and Washington D.C. Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a statistical area population of over 850,000 people. The Knoxville region houses many leading corporations, including Bush Brothers & Company, Discovery Inc., Tennessee Valley Authority, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

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!