Job Description

The Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is excited to announce an opening for a postdoctoral researcher, starting in March 2025. This position is associated with the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN) Enabling Capabilities in Technology (TecH) Consortium (dnntech.utk.edu).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research in one or more of the consortium's research areas:
  • Advanced nuclear fuel and reactor systems engineering
  • Detection, characterization, and response methodologies and tools
  • Data science for nuclear nonproliferation
• Lead contributions toward peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

If no prior research has been conducted in residence at a DOE/NNSA national laboratory, a 6-to-8 week rotation at a national laboratory will be required during the appointment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering, Physics, or closely related field
• Background in basic and modern physics
• Strong computer programming skills
• Significant experience in experimental or computational research (experience in both is preferred)
• Knowledge or experience in some of these areas:
  • Nuclear fuel cycle
  • Nuclear instrumentation
  • Nuclear reactor systems
  • Data science
  • Analog and digital signal processing
  • Computer/instrument interfaces
• An ability to:
  • Conduct research and development within a collaborative environment.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Manage interpersonal conflicts skillfully.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
• Mentorship experience of undergraduate and/or graduate students (preferred).

Appointment Details

The initial appointment is for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for up to an additional 12 months.

Why Knoxville?

Knoxville offers:

• A vibrant city life with walkable downtown areas, active neighborhoods, theaters, museums, live music scenes across all genres, and diverse restaurants.
• Proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports on lakes and rivers.
• Close connections to four major metropolitan areas within a 200-mile radius that host larger cultural events.

The University of Tennessee has strong partnerships with Oak Ridge National Laboratory-the nation's largest science and energy lab- the Y-12 National Security Complex, and several other DOE national laboratories. The Knoxville-Oak Ridge area may have the largest concentration of nuclear industry anywhere in the world, further contributing to its stature as a national powerhouse in nuclear science and engineering research and industry.

Application Process

To apply, interested candidates should submit:

1. A letter of application,
2. Curriculum vitae,
3. Names and addresses of three references

Further inquires about the position can be made to Dr. Jason Hayward, UCOR Fellow and Professor, via jhayward@utk.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

About Us

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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

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!