Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology - UTK

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Knoxville, TN, USA

USD 56,956-56,956 / year

Posted on May 8, 2026

The Chin lab in the Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology at UTK is seeking a highly motivated full-time postdoctoral researcher to join our team. Our work focuses on how the actin cytoskeleton regulate mechanical signaling to orchestrate root growth and development using a combination of molecular biology, genetics and microscopy in plant models such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula.

The initial appointment period will be one year with potential for renewal contingent upon successful performance and funding.

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!
This postdoctoral position is expected to work on a project on understanding actin organization that drives anisotropic cell growth in roots. This project involves mutational analyses including identifying, generating and characterizing mutations affecting pathways in actin regulation, the generation and the testing of genetically encoded markers to determine protein function, complemented by protein biochemical analysis.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Ph.D. by summer 2026 in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, genetics, plant biology, biochemistry or related field, with official transcript provided as verification.

  • Experience: Publications in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, genetics or a related field. Strong experience in cloning, microscopy with relevant publications to demonstrate their expertise.

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Ability to design and conduct independent research experiments and problem-solving ability. Strong organizational, communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

  • A strong publication record, preferably first author.

  • Familiarity with plant model systems and plant physiology eg. Arabidopsis

  • Experience with confocal microscopy or imaging-based approaches and imaging analysis.

  • Experience with molecular cloning including CRISPR-Cas9, fluorescent tagging, domain swapping.

  • Experience with SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.

Work Location

  • Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • Anticipated hiring range: $56,956

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

  • Curriculum vitae with publications.

  • Cover Letter -describing past research experience and career goals. Include anticipated timeline for completing Ph.D. if relevant.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

References will be requested after interviews are complete, and the PI determines their selection.

About The Department:

The University of Tennessee Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) is home to over 400 undergraduate majors. Housed in the Ken and Blaire Mossman (1311 Cumberland Ave.) and Hesler Biology and Greenhouse (1406 Circle Dr.) Buildings, our research teams of faculty, undergrads, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows are working on topics ranging from molecular structure to organismal levels.

This postdoctoral position is expected to work on a project on understanding actin organization that drives anisotropic cell growth in roots. This project involves mutational analyses including identifying, generating and characterizing mutations affecting pathways in actin regulation, the generation and the testing of genetically encoded markers to determine protein function, complemented by protein biochemical analysis.

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