Sustainable Chemistry for Recyclable Biopolymers - Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking a research faculty member for Sustainable Chemistry focused on developing recyclable biopolymers. The role involves synthesizing bio-derived polymers, collaborating with scientists, and advancing the Circular Bioeconomy Systems initiative. Responsibilities include establishing a research program, innovative material synthesis, and building partnerships. The position is based in Knoxville, TN, and aims to enhance sustainable manufacturing and agriculture.
Description

The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute
(UT-ORII) is seeking highly qualified research faculty candidates
to advance sustainable chemistry's fundamental science and
engineering through the development of recyclable bio-derived
monomers and polymers. Research interests for this position may
include, but are not limited to:
• Development of efficient syntheses of bio-derived polymers with
properties comparable to, or better than, traditional synthetic
polymers. The developed polymers should be recyclable by design
(e.g., using dynamic covalent bonds).
• Elucidation of ideal bio-derived monomers and chemicals for
synthesizing polymers with targeted properties may be conducted in
collaboration with plant and material scientists.
• Development of efficient processing pathways for mechanical,
chemical, or biological recycling of bio-derived polymers.

This position is part of UT-ORII’s Circular Bioeconomy Systems
(CBS) Convergent Research Initiative (CRI), a collaborative unit
between ORNL and the University of Tennessee. The CBS CRI mission
is to develop innovative, market-driven strategies to maximize the
value of bio-based resources and create jobs in sustainable
manufacturing and agriculture. By leveraging emerging science, this
initiative aims to produce biomaterials from domestic sources,
advancing American competitiveness while reducing reliance on
foreign resources. The CBS CRI aims to recruit ~20 new
investigators at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), and the
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). The CBS CRI supports its
interdisciplinary researchers by offering networking opportunities
with fellow scientists and bioeconomy stakeholders, facilitating
collaborative experiments and proposal development, providing
mentorship from senior CRI researchers, and offering tailored
professional development opportunities.

The successful candidate will be expected to:
• Develop a nationally and internationally recognized research
program with interdisciplinary connections across the network of
UT-ORII CBS Convergent Research Initiative.
• Establish innovative approaches to synthesizing bio-based
materials within circular bioeconomy systems.
• Undertake chemical syntheses such as chain-end modification of
bio-derived renewable building blocks and synthesis of monomers
from renewable resources
• Explore and develop new approaches and technologies for
synthesizing bio-based recyclable polymers with targeted properties
using various plant-derived chemicals/building blocks, enabling the
realization of a Circular Bioeconomy System.
• Interface with UT-ORII programs to support UT-ORII CBS CRI's
mission and goals.
• Build partnerships and collaborations through UTK’s Institute
for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (IAMM), the Office of
Research Innovation and Economic Development (ORIED), Global Energy
Ecosystems (GE2), and current and future industrial partners.

As a UT-ORII research faculty member, the successful candidate will
collaborate with designated UT departments, researchers, and ORNL
researchers. This includes conducting research, preparing and
submitting proposals, supporting existing research projects, and
mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Qualifications Required:
• PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or
closely related disciplines.
• Research experience in areas supporting UT-ORII’s Circular
Bioeconomy Systems mission, which include, but are not limited to:
• Synthesis of bio-derived monomers and polymers.
• Characterization tools and techniques to identify underlying
chemical and physio-mechanical properties of preprocessed and
recycled materials at various stages of the CBS loop.
• Chemical, biological, and/or thermochemical recycling of
bio-based polymers.
• Demonstrated research track record supporting the candidate’s
potential to establish a nationally and internationally recognized
research program aligned with UT-ORII’s mission and goals.
• Strong writing and communication skills and the ability to work
collaboratively in a team environment.
• A clear path to independence as a researcher is desired, though
collaboration with more senior investigators is also
encouraged.
• This position requires the ability to granted a site-access
badge for Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Preferred:
• Experience in more than one discipline or interest in
collaboration across these disciplines.
• Track record of funded research.
• Evidence of graduate and undergraduate student mentoring or the
potential to mentor students successfully.
• Knowledge of, or experience in, conducting techno-economic
analysis and life cycle assessment of preprocessing and recycling
processes and technologies relevant to biorefineries and UT-ORII’s
CBS CRI.
• Working knowledge and/or experience using artificial
intelligence and machine learning tools to discover novel polymers
and enable process optimization.

Additional Information
• This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position.
• The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee,
Knoxville.
• The primary work location for this position is on the UTIA
campus in Knoxville and may include visits to collaborator sites on
the ORNL and UTK campuses.
• The position will be implemented as an initial three-year
contract with full salary support for the first year, followed by a
gradual decrease in salary coverage such that the successful
applicant will receive 50% salary support in year 5 (if renewed)
and is expected to receive extramural funding by year 3 or
earlier.
• The applicant will be expected to recruit multiple graduate
students by year three.
• A competitive startup package, including funds for graduate
students and equipment, will be offered.
• Salary and title/rank will be determined commensurate with
experience.
• Benefits will be typical of exempt employees at the University
of Tennessee .

Application Instructions
• Application reviews will begin February 21, 2025 and continue
until the position is filled. All required application materials
must be submitted to Interfolio at
http://apply.interfolio.com/163143
• Required Application Materials:
• Cover letter expressing your interest and motivations for the
position
• Curriculum vitae
• Research plan (6 pages maximum)
• List of at least three professional references, including their
complete contact information

About UT-ORII
• Founded in 2019, the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge
Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) is a partnership between Oak Ridge
National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee (UT).
UT-ORII aims to maintain the U.S.'s leadership in innovation and
discovery while creating a robust talent pipeline in national need
and demand areas. Funded by the Department of Energy and the State
of Tennessee, UT-ORII prepares interdisciplinary energy science and
technology leaders and develops a world-class workforce for
industry, government, and academia.
• Leveraging a 75-plus-year UT-ORNL partnership, UT and ORNL have
developed joint institutes, joint facilities, interdisciplinary PhD
programs, and comprehensive joint faculty arrangements, including
17 Governor’s Chairs recruited for their significant impact in
their fields. UT-ORII aims to become a center for convergent
research and talent development to help maintain U.S. prominence as
a global innovation leader and provide tangible benefits to
Tennessee.

About the University of Tennessee
• Since its founding in 1794, the University of Tennessee,
Knoxville (UTK) has been a leading institution dedicated to
academic excellence, research innovation, and public service. With
over 35,000 students from diverse backgrounds and more than 1,400
faculty members, UTK provides a dynamic environment for learning
and discovery. The university excels in various fields, including
engineering, agriculture, business, law, and the arts and sciences.
UTK's renowned research programs contribute to energy, materials
science, health, and environmental sustainability advancements. As
Tennessee's flagship public university, UTK fosters strong
partnerships with government agencies, industries, and national
laboratories, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, driving
groundbreaking research and impactful collaborations that benefit
society.

About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Since its establishment in 1943, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
(ORNL) has been delivering scientific discoveries and technical
breakthroughs needed to realize energy and national security
solutions and provide economic benefits to the nation. With more
than 5,800 employees representing over 60 nations, ORNL applies
unique facilities, sophisticated tools, and signature strengths in
neutron science, high-performance computing, advanced materials,
biology, and environmental science, clean energy, fission and
fusion science and engineering, isotopes, and national security
research to benefit science and society. ORNL’s wide range of
partnerships with other U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
laboratories, universities, and industry has enabled outstanding
scientific contributions, including Nobel Prizes, the discovery of
elements, and hundreds of R&D 100 Awards

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for
employment and admission without regard to race, color, national
origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual
orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability,
genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any
other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In
accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively
states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or
disability in its education programs and activities, and this
policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for
accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of
Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville,
Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@utk.edu or (865)974-2498. Inquiries
and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national
origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA
(disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age),
sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the
Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator
Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or
(865)974-0717 or investigations@utk.edu .