Job Description

The successful applicant will work with PI Manuel Scharrer, Co-PI Fuhar Dixit, and an industry partner on experimental studies aimed at understanding and optimizing selective REE separation. The research will investigate how thermodynamic and chemical properties of REE-bearing phases and solutions influence precipitation and REE fractionation, with the goal of identifying conditions that can be applied to increasingly complex and realistic feed compositions.

Research activities will include laboratory synthesis, precipitation experiments, calorimetric and other thermodynamic measurements, structural and elemental characterization, and quantitative analysis of experimental data. The researcher will use experimental results to develop and refine thermodynamic interpretations and models and to guide experimental optimization. The researcher will interact with project industry partners as appropriate to evaluate experimental results and their relevance to realistic REE processing conditions. The researcher will also work closely with a second postdoctoral researcher focused on engineering and prototype development under Co-PI Dixit, with the two research efforts informing one another throughout the project.

The postdoctoral researcher will supervise undergraduate researchers involved in experimental research and characterization. The project is planned as a two-year effort. The position is initially offered for up to one year, with the expected renewal for a second year based on performance and continued funding.

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments related to REE synthesis, precipitation, and thermodynamic behavior.
• Perform calorimetric and other thermodynamic measurements and contribute to development of a predictive framework for REE fractionation.
• Conduct or coordinate structural and elemental characterization of experimental products.
• Analyze and interpret quantitative experimental data to identify trends and guide subsequent experiments.
• Apply thermodynamic concepts and models to interpret experimental results and support experimental optimization.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate researchers involved in laboratory research.
• Work with the project team and industry partners as appropriate to connect fundamental experimental results with development and testing of the benchtop separation process.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and contribute to laboratory organization and safe operation.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific and technical meetings, as permitted under the project and applicable publication review requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Doctorate in chemistry, geoscience, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience conducting laboratory-based experimental research involving thermodynamics, chemical behavior, synthesis, characterization, or related areas.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Ability to independently design and conduct experiments, analyze quantitative data, troubleshoot experimental procedures, and communicate scientific results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience:
• Experience with experimental thermodynamics, calorimetry, solution chemistry, and inorganic, mineral, or materials synthesis and characterization.
• Additional experience with techniques such as XRD, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, or other methods for structural and compositional characterization is desirable.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Strong quantitative and data-analysis skills
• Ability to work with large experimental datasets
• Experience interpreting thermodynamic or phase-equilibrium data
• Ability to mentor or supervise undergraduate researchers
• A publication record in experimental thermodynamics, geochemistry, chemistry, mineralogy, materials science, or related fields, with experience conducting laboratory-based experimental research.

Work Location

• University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: Competitive and negotiable upon offer of employment

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and accepted until the position is filled. For best consideration, applicants should submit the following materials by September 30, 2026.

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• One-page research statement
• Contact information for three references

The project is anticipated to begin September 30, 2026, with the postdoctoral appointment expected to begin within two months of the project start date.

About The Department

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences provides an interdisciplinary research environment spanning Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences, with, among others, expertise in geochemistry, mineralogy, materials science, and experimental thermodynamics relevant to critical mineral systems. The department and University provide extensive experimental and analytical resources, including a new electron probe microanalyzer and LA-ICP-MS system housed within the department. Knoxville is located in the foothills of the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, with abundant inland waterways and access to state and national parks. The city offers a vibrant community with a wide range of outdoor activities, restaurants, shops, cultural events, and entertainment.

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!