Job Details

Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Synthetic Biology - UTIA

Position Number: 6076252
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science

Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Synthetic Biology - UTIA
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 1959
Job Category: Research
Posting Date: 03/12/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 2505 E J Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
(Multiple Positions)

The Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology at the University of Tennessee is seeking several post-doctoral research associates to work in the laboratories of Dr. Scott C. Lenaghan and Dr. C. Neal Stewart, Jr.

The projects are currently funded by DARPA, DOE, USDA, and NSF awards and cover a variety of areas with a primary emphasis on pushing the limits of synthetic biology with regards to advanced gene regulation and organelle engineering in plants. The projects are highly interdisciplinary and prior experience with plants is not required, as yeast and bacterial systems are commonly used to validate components and drive innovation in more complex systems.

Responsibilities
Applicants will focus on utilizing synthetic and molecular biology approaches to solve real-world challenges facing the energy, medical, agricultural, and biotechnology sectors. As the projects are high-risk, high-reward, and focused on achieving aggressive milestones, applicants must be capable of thinking outside the box' and meeting designated deadlines.

Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering or a related-field. Candidates who are in process of obtaining the degree may be considered but degree must be conferred by Summer 2025 with official transcript provided as verification.

Post-doctoral applicants must have demonstrated experience (publications) in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, bioengineering or a related-field to be considered for this position. Preference will be given to applicants with strong publication records, considerable drive and motivation, and excellent problem-solving skills.

Due to the diversity of projects, applicants should specify in the cover letter their preferred research direction from the descriptions below:

Engineering logic circuits in plants to control heterologous gene expression for a variety of applications
Assembly of large synthetic DNA molecules for metabolic engineering in non-model species
Engineering a synthetic chloroplast genome in potato

The Lenaghan and Stewart labs and the Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology at UT provide outstanding research facilities and a highly stimulating interdisciplinary research environment including a large team of postdocs, technicians, and graduate and undergraduate students.

Positions are full-time with benefits and available immediately for one-to-two years (depending on the immediate best-fit project) with a possibility of renewal for up to four years based on performance and continued funding. Salary is based on experience and qualifications according to UT policy.

About Us
With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state's flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative 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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!
Ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates", "One of America's Best Large Employers", "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

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