The Lindsey Burcham Lab in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Associate to study bacterial physiology and microbe–microbe interactions important for maternal-fetal and pediatric health. Current focus includes community members of the vaginal microbiota, including Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus), Lactobacillus spp., etc. and their impacts on microbial colonization, persistence, and host response. We utilize combined approaches in microbial genetics, microbial physiology, analytical techniques, animal husbandry and in vivo models, clinical sample and data collection, advanced imaging, microbial community analyses, and transcriptomics to explore host-microbe interactions across diverse host environments.

The successful candidate will lead high-impact projects, develop skills in scientific mentorship and communication, contribute to authoring and reviewing manuscripts and grant-proposals, and will contribute to collaborative projects with colleagues internal to UTK, at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Knoxville, and/or external or international colleagues.

Required Qualifications

• Education:

  • PhD in microbiology, biology, immunology, genomics, or closely related field by the start date.

• Experience:

  • Experience performing microbial or eukaryotic genetic manipulation

  • Experience in aseptic technique, microbial cultivation, microbial metabolism, tissue culture, animal models, or immunology

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Demonstrated ability to work productively as a member of a team.

  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate science in both written and oral format.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:

  • Formal training in statistical analyses or microbiome analyses

• Experience:

  • Experience in designing, executing, and analyzing transcriptomics data

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Interest in microbial ecology or ecosystem interactions

  • Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and ability to independently drive projects to completion

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $60,000-$63,000

• 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 May 1, 2026.

• CV
• Cover Letter

About The Department

The Department of Microbiology values the quality of life of all its members, and we are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse community and to supporting the intercultural goals of the University. Knoxville is an exciting and affordable city that has undergone a vibrant civic revitalization over the past several years and is being recognized as one of the most exciting up-and-coming regions in the country. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers a broad spectrum of educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities.

• Work as a productive and considerate member of the research team
• Lead the design and execution of rigorous in vitro and in vivo experiments
• Maintain highly detailed and organized experimental data and protocols
• Contribute to writing, editing, and reviewing manuscripts
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees
• Apply for internal and external funding calls
• Distribute findings at regional, national, and international conferences
• Contribute to the collaborative research ongoing in the L. Burcham lab