The Shurer Research Group in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the biophysical principles that govern the organization and function of the cellular glycocalyx and plasma membrane. The lab combines experimental membrane biophysics, glycobiology, and quantitative imaging to understand how glycocalyx architecture and lipid domains regulate protein trafficking, signaling, and cellular interactions.

The postdoctoral researcher will lead projects exploring how glycosylation, lipid composition, and membrane mechanics coordinate to control processes such as membrane trafficking and viral entry. Research will involve live-cell and model-membrane imaging, quantitative image analysis, lipidomics, protein engineering, and biophysical reconstitution. The position offers opportunities for interdisciplinary, high-impact research at the interface of engineering and cell biology, supported by cutting-edge imaging, biophysical instrumentation, and core facilities across the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years based on performance and funding availability. The anticipated start date is January 2026.

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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

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!

The Shurer Lab seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to study the biophysical and biochemical organization of the plasma membrane and glycocalyx. Our lab integrates membrane biophysics, glycobiology, and quantitative imaging to uncover how glycocalyx architecture and lipid domains coordinate protein trafficking, signaling, and cellular interactions. The successful candidate will lead innovative projects at the interface of cell biology, biophysics, and bioengineering, contributing to a fundamental understanding of membrane organization and its implications for homeostasis, infection, and immunity.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Biochemistry or a related field (completed prior to the start date)
Experience with experimental biophysics, quantitative fluorescence microscopy, or related biophysical or biochemical methods
Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and effective written and oral communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with cell culture (mammalian and bacterial), protein expression or purification, or lipid membrane model systems
Background in image analysis, computational modeling, or data-driven quantitative methods
Familiarity with glycoprotein or lipid biochemistry, membrane trafficking, or viral entry mechanisms
Passion for mentoring and training students

Work Location

Location: Knoxville, TN
Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated hiring range: $70,656.00 / year
Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before 11/30/2025.

Resume or CV
Cover Letter
Representative scholarly work, such as a co-authored, peer-reviewed manuscript
List of 3 Professional References

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will:

Design and conduct experiments investigating glycocalyx and membrane biophysics using live-cell imaging, model membrane systems, and quantitative analysis.
Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to advance independent and collaborative research objectives.
Prepare manuscripts for publication and present research findings at conferences and seminars.
Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and progress reports.
Assist in mentoring and training graduate and undergraduate researchers in the laboratory.
Maintain a safe, organized, and inclusive research environment in compliance with university policies and safety standards.

See more open positions at University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Privacy policy Cookie policy