Housed in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the Probasco Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise invites applications for a post-doctoral research fellow beginning August 3, 2026. The Probasco Chair is among the largest endowed chairs of free enterprise in the nation. The mission of the Chair is to study the American free enterprise system and the conditions under which it operates most efficiently, engage in high-level scholarly research, and contribute to the public knowledge and understanding of economic theory and practice.

The post-doctoral position is a full-time research position that provides an individual, who has recently completed a doctoral degree, an opportunity to expand his or her academic and research skills under the guidance of the Probasco Chair. Preference will be given to those candidates specializing in fields related to Austrian economics, public choice, law and economics, development economics, and/or political economy. This position will teach up to two courses per semester. The position is subject to the availability of funds, and as a result, is a temporary position.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is in the heart of one of Tennessee’s largest and most dynamic cities. As a national model for metropolitan universities, UTC collaborates with its many regional partners to offer an experiential learning environment with outstanding teaching scholars in 128 undergraduate degree programs and 55 graduate programs—at both the master's and doctoral levels. UTC and Chattanooga—nationally recognized for its downtown redevelopment and wealth of outdoor recreation—are inextricably linked, and the University is central to the workforce and economic development efforts of the region and the state.

Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering and Computer Science; Health, Education and Professional Studies; and the Honors College are home to an array of award-winning programs from Nursing to Computer Science, Entrepreneurship to Veteran Student Support. Innovation is a strategic focus, and UTC research and development in smart city technology is an industry leader. UTC is the first and only university in the country with access to a managed, commercial quantum computing network, and we are introducing an artificial intelligence initiative involving entities across campus and engaging partners throughout the region.

From our deep ties to the city of Chattanooga to our national reputation for innovation and hands-on learning, UTC stands out as a university where students thrive, faculty inspire, and partnerships create real impact.

Required:

Doctoral Degree in Economics, finance, or related business field.

Work Location:

• University of Tennessee – Chattanooga, TN Campus
• This is a fully on-site position.

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT Market Range: MR08

• Anticipated hiring range: $70,000 - $85,000

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure

• Find more information on UT Benefits

The University, Community, and Region:

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is a regional comprehensive university and a national model for metropolitan universities. Located in a renaissance city of 500,000 residents in Southeast Tennessee, UTC serves a vibrant and diverse student body, metropolitan area, and region. With an enrollment of nearly 12,000 students, UTC offers baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. UTC offers a unique blend of private and public school traditions and is a driving force for achieving excellence, embracing diversity, inspiring positive change, and enriching the community. UTC is the second largest campus in the University of Tennessee System.

Chattanooga, the fourth largest city in the state, is located in Southeast Tennessee near the border of Georgia at the junction of four interstate highways. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its beautiful downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront. Chattanooga includes natural beauty, a revitalized riverfront, countless outdoor adventure areas, and a thriving environment for arts and culture. The metropolitan area is enhanced by the diversity of its population and economy, and by a strong spirit of innovation and entrepreneurism. Chattanooga has been added to must visit destination lists of several media outlets including, but not limited to, the New York Times, Travel and Leisure, Outside Magazine, and Southern Living. Chattanooga is known as Gig City and boasts a booming tech sector and citywide gigabit network.

About the Gary W. Rollins College of Business:

The College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga recently received the largest philanthropic gift in the history of UTC from Gary W. Rollins and Kathleen Rollins of Atlanta. The $40 million gift established the Gary W. Rollins College of Business as the first named college at UTC. Mr. Rollins was a graduate of the business school and is vice chairman and CEO of Rollins, Inc., a NYSE corporation with holdings that include Orkin, the world’s largest pest control company.

The mission of the Rollins College of Business (RCOB) is to provide quality educational programs that produce academically prepared and business-world ready graduates for a competitive global environment. The college has long-standing AACSB accreditation, and the Department of Accounting is separately accredited by AACSB. The RCOB has approximately 2,000 undergraduate students in accounting, business analytics, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, human resource management, marketing, and management, and 300 graduate students in the MBA and Master of Accountancy programs.

Research

Perform scholarly research in collaboration with others or independently. Research work includes planning and designing of research projects, data collection, statistical analysis, tabulation of that analysis, and writing papers. Conference presentations and publication of research in referred journals is expected.

Public Outreach

Write policy briefs, media op-eds and participate in interviews relating scholarly research in business related fields such as economics and finance to current policy relevant issues.

Support Probasco Chair Activities

Assist in planning, scheduling, and implementing events for Probasco Chair and the Center for Economic Education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject disciplines
• Knowledge of working with data and writing research articles
• Project management skills
• Written and oral communication skills
• Skill in leading, coordinating, and working with others

Application Procedures:

Applicants should submit the following information within our online system for consideration: cover letter describing how research fits within the mission of the Probasco Chair, CV, research paper, teaching evaluations, and a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers, and email addresses for three references.

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