Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Inorganic Chemistry and Rare-Earth Separations - UTK

This position involves experimental research on rare-earth element separations, with emphasis on lanthanide coordination chemistry, liquid-liquid extraction, nanoparticle/colloid synthesis and self-assembly, and nanoscale characterization. The main tasks include preparing rare-earth-containing complexes and nanoassemblies, designing extraction and separation experiments, quantifying metal concentrations and separation factors using ICP-MS and/or ICP-OES, and characterizing particle size, morphology, and structure using techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and X-ray methods. Duties include technical interactions with undergraduate and graduate students, contributing to and developing research initiatives, writing peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, presenting research results, and technical management of research activities. The initial appointment would be a limited term appointment, approximately 1 year with the possibility of renewal for future years.

• Design and conduct solution-phase inorganic chemistry, nanomaterial synthesis, and rare-earth extraction and separation experiments.

• Prepare and characterize lanthanide-containing complexes, colloids, nanoparticles, and self-assembled nanoassemblies;

• Perform quantitative elemental analysis using ICP-MS and/or ICP-OES; and apply techniques such as DLS, TEM/SEM, SAXS/WAXS, XAS, and related methods as appropriate.

• Develop reproducible experimental and data-analysis workflows that connect composition, coordination chemistry, nanoscale structure, and separation selectivity.

• Support separation experiments and participate in synchrotron or neutron user-facility measurements as needed.

• Work with multidisciplinary teams, mentor students, publish papers in high-quality refereed journals, and actively collaborate with researchers in academia, government laboratories, and other partner organizations.

Required Qualifications: 

• Position requires a Ph.D. degree in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or an equivalent field. 

• The successful applicant should have a strong experimental research record in inorganic, materials, or solution chemistry, including experience with synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles, colloids, supramolecular/self-assembled materials, or related solution-phase materials. 

• Experience with quantitative analytical chemistry and demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments are required. 

• A good publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals is expected.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable (prior experience with every listed technique is not required): 

  • rare-earth or f-element chemistry; 

  • solvent extraction, liquid-liquid extraction, hydrometallurgy, or chemical separations;

  • ICP-MS or ICP-OES; DLS and colloid characterization; 

  • TEM or SEM; 

  • SAXS/WAXS or other X-ray/neutron scattering techniques; 

  • X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS); 

  • magnetic characterization. 

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are expected, along with the ability to work independently and creatively in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams, set priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving research needs.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $70,000 - $75,000
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit:

• A letter of application

• Curriculum vitae

• Contact information for three references

For questions or inquiries please contact Prof. Ivanov, email: aivanov@utk.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

About The Department

The Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, established in 1957, was the first of its kind and is considered one of the most prestigious in the United States. Its mission is supported by internationally recognized faculty and advanced research programs, enhanced by close ties with institutions such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Y-12 Nuclear Security Complex, UCOR, and the East Tennessee Technology Park, as well as over one hundred nuclear-related companies within fifty miles of Knoxville. The department offers programs, with its graduate program consistently ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.