Job Board

Discover opportunities across our community
companies
Jobs

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - UTK

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Other Engineering
Knoxville, TN, USA
Posted on Jan 13, 2026

Center for Ultra-wide-area Resilient Electric Transmission Network (CURENT) power electronics group at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), conducts research at the power converters using wide-bandgap devices. Our work spans hardware design, control algorithm development, simulation and testing. We collaborate with national laboratories, universities, and industry partners to develop high-efficiency and high-power-density power electronics converters.

CURENT is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow with expertise in area of power electronics. The ideal candidate will initiate and lead research on wide-bandgap device characterization, simulation of the control algorithm, and hardware development and testing.


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!

Center for Ultra-wide-area Resilient Electric Transmission Network (CURENT) power electronics group at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), conducts research at the power converters using wide-bandgap devices. Our work spans hardware design, control algorithm development, simulation and testing. We collaborate with national laboratories, universities, and industry partners to develop high-efficiency and high-power-density power electronics converters. CURENT is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow with expertise in area of power electronics. The ideal candidate will initiate and lead research on wide-bandgap device characterization, simulation of the control algorithm, and hardware development and testing.

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, particularly power electronics.

  • Strong programming skills in C/C++.

  • Demonstrated research excellence through impactful publications, technical contributions, or leadership in projects.

Desired Qualifications

  • Expertise in MATLAB/Simulink and Altium Designer.

  • Experience with ANSYS Q3D.

  • Experience of designing power propulsion inverters and/or isolated AC-DC converters.

  • Strong communication and technical writing skills; ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

Work Location

  • Knoxville, TN, onsite

Benefits

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit the following documents for full consideration:

  • Resume/CV

  • Cover Letter

  • List of 3 Professional References

Questions regarding this position can be directed to:

Prof. Hua “Kevin” Bai

Professor

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

E-mail: hbai2@utk.edu


  • Collaborates with faculty, research staff, graduate/undergraduate students, and external partners.

  • Designs, develops, and evaluates power electronics converters.

  • Serves as co-PI on research grants and contracts; leads and manages sponsored research projects.

  • Engages with national laboratories, funding agencies, and industry collaborators to advance research goals.

  • Authors research proposals to expand and sustain ongoing projects and explore new directions.

  • Publishes in top-tier conferences and journals; presents research results at major venues.

  • Mentors graduate students and contributes to workforce development initiatives.