Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science: UTIA
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
This position is part of a cutting-edge project investigating the conversion of nitrogen in air to nitrogen fertilizer using plasma technologies, and the practical applications.
The successful candidate will contribute to multiple aspects of the project, including:
- Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of chemical reactions in plasma environments
- Development of catalysts tailored for plasma-assisted processes
- System integration and performance optimization
Techno-economic analysis of the developed systems
We invite applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to join a dynamic, multidisciplinary research team focused on the development of sustainable nitrogen fertilizer production from air, water, and renewable electricity using plasma technologies. This position is part of a cutting-edge project investigating the conversion of nitrogen in air to nitrogen fertilizer using plasma technologies, and the practical applications.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Solid understanding of plasma physics and chemistry.
- Demonstrated experience in applied chemical catalysis.
- Hands-on experience with high-voltage plasma technologies.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Strong motivation, independence, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas will be strongly preferred:
- Electrical characterization of plasma discharges.
- Plasma diagnostics via optical emission or Raman spectroscopy.
- Chemical product analysis (e.g., GC, UV-Vis, FTIR).
- Application of AI or machine learning techniques to reaction system optimization.
- Techno-economic analysis.
Work Location:
- Location: Knoxville, TN
- Onsite
Compensation and Benefits:
- Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
- Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions:
We are accepting applications from now until March 1, 2026. Interested applicants should submit the following documents as a single PDF file, named using your last name and date, in the following order:
- Cover Letter detailing your research achievements and interests
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Names and contact information for at least three professional references
For application or inquiry about the position, please contact:
Prof. X. Philip Ye
Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996
Email: xye2@utk.edu
Voice: (865)974-7129
About The College/Department/Division:
- Please visit the department website: https://bess.tennessee.edu/
The successful candidate is expected to conduct experiments outlined in the job description, to analyze data, and to write project reports and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications. They will also contribute to multiple aspects of the project, including:
- Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of chemical reactions in plasma environments
- Development of catalysts tailored for plasma-assisted processes
- System integration and performance optimization
Techno-economic analysis of the developed systems