Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Chemistry - UTK

The position of Postdoctoral Research Associate is open in the research group of Prof. Konstantinos Vogiatzis in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in collaboration with the Y-12 National Security Complex. The researcher will perform atomistic simulations of materials for catalytic applications.  All candidates must have successfully defended and submitted their dissertation before their employment date.  The search starts immediately and continues until the position is filled.  

The researcher will be responsible to develop, test, and deploy computational workflows for atomistic modeling of chemical processed on material surfaces related to catalytic applications and collaborate with researchers from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Y-12 National Security Complex. Research will involve feedback loops between theory and experiment, evaluating chemical reaction networks and catalytic mechanisms. Position may require security clearance.

• The Vogiatzis Group focuses on the development and application of novel computational modeling methods that interface classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and artificial intelligence.

• The ideal postdoctoral research associate candidate will work on assigned research projects as well as on mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students.

• The postdoctoral research associate candidate must be knowledgeable and experienced in classical simulations, quantum chemical methods, materials science, catalysis, surface chemistry, and/or artificial intelligence and machine learning.

• Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in peer reviewed journals in a timely manner.

• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.

• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Must have successfully defended and submitted dissertation by hire date, Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, or closely related field.
• Experience: 

  • An excellent track record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals.

  • Strong verbal and writing skills. 

  • The candidate must be willing to work independently and collaboratively with group members, and preferably also with experimental collaborators. 

• 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.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience: Research experience in atomistic modeling, AIMD, MLIPs, catalysis.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Scientific programming

Work Location 

• Knoxville, TN, 

• On site, and will travel for work at Y-12 National Security Complex.

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $60,000 - $65,000
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

Please complete the on-line application (https://hr.utk.edu/staff-positions) for full consideration. For best consideration, provide the following in the application file before November 1, 2026:  

• Cover letter

• Curriculum vitae

• Transcript

• List of three references (with current e-mail address and phone number/s) in the application file. One reference must be your current supervisor.  

A review of all applications will begin immediately.

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.