Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences - UTK

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Full-time

Knoxville, TN, USA

USD 65k-65k / year

Posted on Oct 6, 2026

As part of the Earth and Planetary Materials Group led by PI Nicholas Dygert, and a NASA-funded lunar science research consortium, the successful applicant will investigate the Moon’s evolutionary history. Avenues of exploration may include but are not limited to differentiation, magmatism, and petrogenesis. The candidate will also pursue research related to planet Mercury’s differentiation and evolution. The initial appointment will be for one year, with reappointment contingent upon sufficient progress as assessed in performance evaluations. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

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!
The Earth and Planetary Materials Group at the University of Tennessee seeks to hire a postdoctoral associate to pursue research in igneous geoscience related to the Moon and Mercury. The candidate will conduct experimental, sample, or model-based research.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Doctorate in Geoscience or a related field at the time of appointment or have completed all their doctoral degree requirements, and a record of at least one peer-reviewed publication.
  • Experience:
    • A publication record in planetary geoscience, broadly defined (including studies relevant to Earth).
    • Experience running high-pressure, high-temperature experiments.
    • Background in experimental petrology.

Work Location

Knoxville, Tennessee, onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • Anticipated hiring range: $65,000
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials before October 15th, 2026

  • Cover letter,
  • Curriculum vitae,
  • One-page research statement
  • Contact information for 3 professional references

About The Department

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences maintains a dynamic research climate and has been at the forefront of Lunar and Planetary Sciences for decades. The Department has abundant experimental and analytical resources including a new electron probe microanalyzer and LA-QQQ-ICP-MS system. Knoxville is in the foothills of the Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains; in addition to mountains, East Tennessee has abundant inland waterways and pristine state and national parks. Knoxville is a thriving city with vibrant indoor and outdoor entertainment venues, restaurants, shops, and cultural offerings.

The candidate will pursue lunar and Mercurian research as directed by the PI or as practicable, of their own design, present new results at science meetings, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and seek external employment. The candidate is expected to contribute to a positive and dynamic research climate in the group and department by enthusiastically participating in events, seminars and symposia. Responsibilities may include student mentorship.

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